Australia’s Usman Khawaja has confirmed his fitness for the upcoming third Ashes Test against England, set to begin next week in Adelaide. Dismissing speculation about his future in the team, the experienced left-handed batter expressed his intention to continue playing as long as he feels valued by the squad.
Khawaja, who will celebrate his 39th birthday during the test, recently missed a match due to a back issue and was unable to play in the opening position during the previous test in Perth. He remarked, “I could have retired two years ago, or at any time,” indicating that while he is conscious of his career trajectory, he is focused on enjoying his cricket rather than just holding on for the sake of it.
Despite his absence, young talents Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have stepped up impressively. Head delivered a stellar performance with a match-winning score of 123 in Perth, while Weatherald added a solid 72 runs in the second test. Khawaja mentioned that he is unfazed by the competition for spots, stating, “The older I have got, the more comfortable I have got with things that I can control and things that I cannot.” He’s feeling ready to contribute again, emphasizing his readiness to play but acknowledging that the final decision lies beyond his control.
Australia currently leads the five-match series 2-0, and a victory in Adelaide would secure the prestigious Ashes urn for the team. The excitement continues as Khawaja prepares to rejoin his teammates on the field, reinforcing the strength and depth of Australia’s cricketing lineup while fostering a spirit of competitiveness.
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