Ashes 2021-22: Usman Khawaja unsure of playing final Test despite twin centuries in Sydney
Usman Khawaja. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
Australian batter Usman Khawaja has been batting like a dream in the ongoing fourth Ashes Test match in Sydney. With two hundreds in two innings, he couldn’t have asked for a better comeback. Despite playing his last international game during the Ashes 2019, it didn’t look like the 35-year-old was playing international cricket after two years.
He scored 137 and 101* in this Test. However, it is to be noted that the only reason why he played the SCG Test was because Australia’s regular number five batter Travis Head had tested positive for COVID-19.
Although the Queensland batter did make full use of his opportunity, he isn’t too sure if he will play the fifth and final Test of the series in Hobart. While speaking at the end of the fourth day’s play, Khawaja did acknowledge the fact that Head has had a great series so far.
Can’t really compare No. 5 to opening, it’s like apples and oranges: Usman Khawaja
“I came in here for Travis Head, he’s had a great series and I know the selectors have made a lot of tough decisions in this series and I don’t really expect it to be any different because I scored back-to-back tons. It’s just the way it is. All I’ve done is I’ve had an opportunity for Australia, scored some runs which I am grateful for,” said Khawaja
Head had scored a match-winning hundred in the first Ashes Test match in Brisbane, and even won the player of the match award for it. Thus, Australia’s team management would be in a dilemma once he returns for the fifth Ashes Test match. Khawaja also went on to speak about the possibility of him opening the innings in the next Test.
“To be totally honest, I’ve batted at number five in this Test match and it was a lot of fun. I got runs but you can’t really compare five to opening. It’s like apples and oranges. I know because I’ve done both of them,” he said.
