Australia’s Usman Khawaja dedicates Ashes ton to Pakistani roots

Usman Khawaja returned to cricket with a stirring century to put Australia in a commanding position in the fourth Ashes Test against England in Sydney on Thursday.

Following his sacking during the 2019 Ashes tour of England, Khawaja showed tribute to his Pakistani roots by scoring 137 in his team’s 416 for eight declared.

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And, 30 months after appearing to have played his final Test, he is set to return to his birth nation with the Australian touring side in March.

“I have been living the Australian dream. My parents came over here from Pakistan to give our family a better life,” Khawaja said. “To come all the way out here and I am representing Australia in our national sport, it’s something which I absolutely love doing.”

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“I’ve gone through a lot of hard times, broken down a lot of barriers to get to where I am right now and I think it’s something that people can relate to that and they can see it. And the love I received out here today it was something special; something I will never forget,” he added.

The graceful 35-year-old left-hander, who hit 171 against England in the most recent Ashes Test in Sydney in 2018, struck again on Thursday.

“Hundreds don’t come every day and it’s a pretty tough wicket. I was just trying to bat, and grind away. It was a lot of fun,” he said. “It was beautiful.”

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However, with Brisbane centurion Travis Head anticipated to be available for selection for the final Hobart Test later this month, his eighth Test century may not be enough to secure a spot.

“I have obviously come into the side for Travis Head — he’s had COVID, unfortunately. I am very grateful for another opportunity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Stuart Broad, who took five for 101 in the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests after being passed over for the Brisbane and Melbourne Tests, claimed he was eager to play on and was motivated by his fast-bowling partner Jimmy Anderson.

“I’ve still got a burning desire to play the sport,” Broad said.

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He further added, “While the fire burns you should play because nothing replicates it in life. Nothing can bring you the satisfaction, the pain, the highs and the lows. They are quite addictive.”

“Jimmy has been an inspiration for me. I see how much drive he’s still got at 39; how much energy he puts into not just the match days but the training and the skill development,” the 35-year-old pacer said.