Veteran Australia batter Usman Khawaja has declared that he is fit to play the third Ashes Test that is set to commence in Adelaide from December 17. The 39-year-old also slammed critics for questioning his commitment towards the team. This comes after he had missed the second Test of the series due to not being able to recover in time from the back spasms that he sustained during the first match in Perth.
Criticism against Khawaja
Notably, Khawaja had come under a lot of scrutiny after he had participated in a golf tournament with the Ashes opener right around the corner. This led to him picking up the back injury and not opening the innings for the hosts. However, the batter gave a fitting reply to the critics and said that he could have retired two years ago, but didn't do so because he is committed towards the team.
"I could have retired two years ago. I could have retired any time. I'm still very committed. I am the guy who, as much as people sometimes want to have a crack at me, I love playing for Australia. I train hard, I do everything right," Khawaja told reporters in Adelaide.
"For me, it's more about just being a professional. People can have opinions, that's absolutely no worry to me. I can't sit down and worry about what other people think, especially outside of the squad," he added.
I am not here to hang on: Khawaja
In his place, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald opened the innings for Australia and went on to achieve success. They formed two fifty-plus stands and provided the team with strong starts in both the games. But, Khawaja expressed faith in himself and remarked that he hasn't come to Adelaide just to hang on to his batting position at the top.
"I'm still valued by the team, still asked to be here to play, so I'm here. One hundred per cent fit. 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," Khawaja stated.
"My sample size will tell you that you've got to find a way to be consistent for a long period of time, not just over a game or two," he further added.
Australia's squad for 3rd Ashes Test: 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.