Usman Khawaja Fully Fit for Adelaide, Selection Decision Now in Hands of Selectors

Usman Khawaja is confident to feature in the Adelaide test after regaining full fitness. The decision to include him in the final XI now rests with the team management, who are currently facing a tough selection dilemma. The left-handed opener is fully aware of this fact, which is why he has said that the final call is out of his hands.

Khawaja missed the second test at Brisbane after sustaining a back injury. In his absence, Travis Head opened the batting, giving Australia a blazing fast start in both innings. The selectors are therefore confused whether they should stick with the same Playing XI or include Usman Khawaja again in the squad.

While speaking to reporters about the situation, Khawaja said that he is hopeful of featuring in the next Test. He added that the decision to finalize the playing XI is not in his hands, and that the management will make the final call.

"Obviously hope to play. I don't really know. Obviously, it's not my decision. The older I've got, the more comfortable I've got with things that I can control and things that I haven't.” said Usman Khawaja while talking to the reporters.

“I feel really good in terms of I'm ready to go. The rest of it is not in my control. So, yeah, we'll see what happens.” added Usman Khawaja.

He then talked about his fitness, saying that he is fully fit to play in the next Test against England at Adelaide. He further elaborated on his training schedule over the past week, during which he worked hard to regain his rhythm for the upcoming match.

"I'm feeling 100%. So unless something else [happens], but I felt 100% before Perth, too. It's just one of those things. I've done everything. That's why I was training all last week. I was just doing rehab, which sucks because when you get injured, you have to do more, right.” said Usman Khawaja.

He acknowledged that his body had been a bit overloaded over the past few weeks, which caused him to suffer a back spasm during the Perth test. However, the injury concern has now subsided, and he is feeling fit again.

"I've had a fair bit of load, but it's obviously what I wanted to just get as much as possible and I'm running at 100% again and again. So everything's feeling pretty good again." said Usman Khawaja.

The left-handed batter then explained his different modes of batting. He explained how his skills can accommodate different situations that require a particular type of batting style. By backing those skills, he is confident to play at any position for Australia in the upcoming match.

"I've got gears when I want them. You've got to find a way to be consistent for a long period of time, not just over a game or two. So I've always been conscious of that. I can go out there and play more shots and I think I've been scoring pretty [quickly]. So sometimes the game and the situation dictates that [and] the wickets dictate that. I think I just play the game, what's in front of me.” said Usman Khawaja.

Strong Ability to Handle Spin Effectively

He further elaborated on his ability to play spin effectively during the middle overs. With that in mind, Khawaja believes he can bat comfortably at the number four or five position, where batters are often required to handle spin skillfully.

"Normally people that open aren't as attuned to No. 5 as opening because they're not as good playing spin. But I've proven I'm one of the best players to spin in Australia. So, that's never been the issue. So I can bat anywhere." said Usman Khawaja.

Talking about the retirement plans, Khawaja said that he could have retired from international cricket two years ago. However, his services are still valued by the team, so he is hanging around to give his best for the Australia team as long as they need him.

"I could have retired two years ago. I could have retired at any time. But I'm still valued by the team. I'm still asked to be here, to play. So I'm here.” said Usman Khawaja.

"I'm always mindful of the future, too. I always have been. I'm not here to hang around. I'm just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I'm valued, I'm here. I'm doing my job. And I've done quite well over the last few years." concluded Usman Khawaja.