Australia opener Usman Khawaja has declared himself fit and available for selection for the third Ashes Test in Adelaide after missing most of the ongoing series due to back spasms.
The veteran left-hander has featured in only one innings so far, with injury ruling him out of action in the early part of the contest against England. However, Khawaja indicated that he is now ready to return as Australia, already leading 2-0, look to seal the series in the third Test, starting December 17.
“I feel really good in terms of I’m ready to go,” Khawaja told reporters.
In Khawaja’s absence, Australia reshuffled their top order by promoting white-ball opener Travis Head to the opening slot. Partnering debutant Jake Weatherald, Head delivered encouraging starts, with opening stands of 77 in the second innings in Perth, followed by partnerships of 75 and 37 in Brisbane.
Those returns have sparked debate over whether Australia should persist with the Head-Weatherald combination or restore Khawaja to the XI. The veteran, however, said the discussion around selection does not concern him. “I’ve got to be totally honest, it doesn’t really faze me. The older I’ve got, the more comfortable I’ve got with things that I can control and things that I can’t,” Khawaja said.
The 38-year-old reiterated his commitment to the national side, underlining that his motivation remains unchanged whenever he is called upon. “I’m still valued by the team, still asked to be here to play, so I’m here,” Khawaja said.
“I’m always mindful of the future, I always have been. I’m not here to hang on, I’m just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I’m valued I’m here, I’m doing my job.
“I just like to compete. I can bat so many different ways. I’ve been successful in all formats, I’ve got gears when I want to.”
“I am the guy who, as much as people sometimes want to have a crack at me, I love playing for Australia, I’m still very committed. I train hard, I do everything right. So for me, it’s irrelevant.
Khawaja has scored 6,055 runs in 85 Tests at an average of 43.56, making him one of Australia’s most dependable batters in recent years.