Veteran Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has declared himself fit ahead of the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide on Saturday. The Australian top-order batter missed the second Test in Brisbane
after failing to recover from the back spasms he suffered during the Ashes Opener in Perth.
“I feel really good in terms of I’m ready to go,” Khawaja told reporters as quoted by ICC.
In Khawaja’s absence, Australia promoted Travis Head to the top order. Head opened alongside Jake Weatherald, and they provided strong starts with partnerships of 77 (second innings in Perth), 75, and 37 (in Brisbane).
Khawaja’s form has been a concern for Australia, leading to discussions on whether they should continue with the Head-Jake opening pair or reinstate Khawaja for the third Test against England. The veteran batter, however, isn’t bothered by the outside noise and is focused on preparing for the Adelaide Test.
“I’ve got to be totally honest, it doesn’t really faze me. The older I’ve got, the more comfortable I’ve got with things that I can control and things that I can’t,” Khawaja said.
Khawaja, who has scored 6055 runs in 85 Tests at an average of 43.56, emphasized that he is still valued by the Australian team.
“I’m still valued by the team, still asked to be here to play, so I’m here. I’m always mindful of the future, I always have been. I’m not here to hang on, I’m just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I’m valued I’m here, I’m doing my job. I just like to compete. I can bat so many different ways. I’ve been successful in all formats, I’ve got gears when I want to.”
“I am the guy who, as much as people sometimes want to have a crack at me, I love playing for Australia, I’m still very committed. I train hard, I do everything right. So for me, it’s irrelevant.”
Australia Squad For 3rd Ashes Vs England
Australia announced a 15-member squad for the third Ashes fixture on Wednesday. Khawaja retained his place in the team as he tries to earn his spot back in the XI following his injury issues. The hosts are leading the five-match Ashes Test series against England 2-0.
Australia’s skipper Pat Cummins is also set to make his comeback in the third Ashes Test against England, having been included in the 15-player squad. Cummins is poised to return to international cricket, having overcome his back injury issues. The 32-year-old hasn’t played at the international level since the third Test against the West Indies in July.
Australia squad (third Test only): Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
(With inputs from Agencies)
