Usman Khawaja, the seasoned Australian cricketer, has experienced the highs and lows of a 15-year Test career, being dropped from the team eight times. Among these setbacks, the most painful was his exclusion during the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. Despite a stellar performance in the 2016/17 season, where he amassed 581 runs at an average of 58.10, Khawaja found himself sidelined in favor of all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.
The decision was based on Khawaja’s perceived vulnerability to spin in subcontinental conditions. Prior to that tour, he averaged a mere 19.16 in Asia, with a top score of 26. “I didn’t feel like I was supported,” Khawaja revealed during his Test retirement announcement in Sydney. His exclusion, however, became a turning point in his career.
Khawaja’s Turning Point in the UAE
In 2018, Khawaja was given another chance to prove himself in the subcontinent during a two-match series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates. This opportunity came with encouragement from coach Justin Langer, who expressed faith in Khawaja’s ability to handle spin. “JL is the one guy who actually gave me hope and love at that time,” Khawaja recalled.
In Dubai, Khawaja delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 85 and a marathon 141 in sweltering conditions. His innings, which lasted 11 hours, is often hailed as the pinnacle of his Test career. “It was relentless, and I just had to fight for everything,” he said, reflecting on the grueling conditions.
The Evolution of Khawaja’s Technique
Khawaja’s success in the UAE was marked by his adept use of the reverse sweep, a shot he claimed to have integrated into Australian cricket. “Previously you played the reverse sweep, and you got out in Test cricket, and you got crucified,” he noted. This innovation became a key component of his strategy against spin.
“To actually show everyone that I could bat in those conditions, and then end up being one of the greatest players to be able to play in the subcontinent … it’s pretty special,” Khawaja said.
Following the 2018 series, Khawaja’s performance in Asia improved dramatically. He averaged 82.77 across 13 matches, scoring five centuries, including a career-best 232 against Sri Lanka in Galle last year. Only four Australians have scored more Test runs in Asia than Khawaja: Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Matthew Hayden.
A Blessing in Disguise
Steve Smith, the Australian captain during Khawaja’s 2017 axing, reflected on the decision’s impact. “He got that opportunity to go back and figure out ways to play,” Smith explained. Khawaja’s reinvention as a player of spin was a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
“He’s arguably one of our best players of spin now, so maybe a blessing in disguise,” Smith remarked.
As Khawaja prepares for his final international appearance in the fifth Ashes Test against England at the SCG, his journey serves as an inspiring narrative of perseverance and transformation. The match, beginning at 10:30 am AEDT on Sunday, marks the end of an era for the left-hander, who has left an indelible mark on Australian cricket.
