Khawaja playing the Uzzie way

Unlike his earlier avatars when he was in and out of the team, the opener has countered spin and swing in current stint

- Vivek Krishnan

“I thought that after 44 Test matches, my career was done. Most people don’t get to play 44 Tests. Scored eight hundreds, been a part of Ashes-winning teams, and lots of winning teams. So, when I got an opportunity to play again, honestly every Test feels like a bonus.”

By the end of 2021, Usman Khawaja wasn’t alone in thinking that his career was done. He had played 44 Tests and scored 2,887 runs at an average of 40.66. Decent numbers, but nothing more in a nation with a rich tradition of producing outstanding opening batters. It had also been more than two years since the then 35-year-old had played a Test. A clear sign that Australia had moved on, which meant that Khawaja also needed to move on and begin planning for life after retirement.

And then, Travis Head contracted Covid-19. On the eve of the Sydney Test against England in January 2022, Head’s unexpected unavailability opened the door for Khawaja to slot into the middle order. As we know now, he simply hasn’t looked back. He notched up twin tons in that Sydney Test, establishing himself as an indispensable member thereafter. When Head returned for the next Test in Hobart, Khawaja readily returned to his accustomed opening position. Since the start of 2022, nobody has scored more Test runs than Khawaja’s 1,827 in 18 matches. He also averages an impressive 67.66 in this period, again the best of the top ten run-getters.