'You can't throw a temper tantrum...': Australia great slams Usman Khawaja over 'racism' statement

Former Australia cricketer Jason Gillespie wasn't satisfied with the comments that Usman Khawaja made about being treated differently by media due to his race. This comes after Khawaja had announced his international retirement during a press-conference held on Friday. During the interaction with media, the 39-year-old opened up on the criticism that he faced for playing Golf just a few days before the first Ashes Test. He said that it had deeply hurt him, adding that he was judged unfairly by the media.

Gillespie's blunt remark on Khawaja's statements

Gillespie labelled Khawaja's comments as a "temper tantrum" and remarked that the media wasn't bullying or abusing him, but were rather just asking for accountability while criticising him for playing Golf right before the first Test in Perth.

“I’m not questioning the racism that Usman has faced throughout his life. I’ve actually always admired him and applauded him for speaking up because racism is a big stain on our society, and it always needs to be called out. He referenced racism when he was talking about the criticism that he received. A few former players came out and quite rightly questioned whether that [playing golf] was the best possible preparation," Gillespie told ABC Sport.

“Being questioned over that and being held to account over your choices, that’s not bullying, it’s not abuse, that’s all part and parcel of being a professional. You can’t really throw a temper tantrum when asked to take accountability for the job you’re actually paid to do," he added.

Khawaja's stats in international cricket

Meanwhile, the upcoming Sydney Test will be Khawaja's final match in international cricket. The veteran batter has so far represented Australia in 87 Tests, 40 ODIs and 9 T20Is. His last ODI appearance for the Baggy Greens came in 2019 and since then he has only been active in Tests. He has been an important part of the set-up for over a decade now and it won't be easy for the team to replace him.

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Khawaja's final Test will take place in his hometown of Sydney and will commence from January 4. He has played a total of nine Tests at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and has maintained a phenomenal average of 87.50. He has hit four centuries at the venue and has the highest individual score of 195*.