Batting style: Left Handed bat
Bowling style: Right-arm medium
Played for: Australia, New South Wales,
Australia Under-19, Sydney Thunder, Batsman
Profile
Very few people would give up a career as a qualified pilot to pursue their passion in sport. Usman Khawaja can be classified as such a rarity. Born in Pakistan, Khawaja is the first Muslim cricketer to be selected in the Australian national team.
Migrating from Pakistan at a very young age, Khawaja first picked up the tricks of the trade at Randwick Petersham, a club on the outskirts of New South Wales. He made his first-class debut for NSW against Victoria at the age of 22. He scored a masterly 85, batting with the tail where he displayed maturity beyond his age. A fine left-handed batsman, Khawaja is blessed with a rock solid defence and displays good footwork. He is equally adept at playing spin and fast bowling. His maiden century at a time when NSW were tottering at 88-4 proved crucial and earned him many plaudits. He finished the 2008-09 domestic season at an average of 42.61 and started 2009-10 with three centuries in the Sheffield Shield tournament. He earned his Test call-up in 2010 against Pakistan in England.
Many have questioned if a player who has just completed two years in domestic cricket should be thrown at the deep end. However Australian selectors insist that he has the technique to make it to the big stage. Sceptics, however label him in the Test mould. Khawaja, in his defence insists that he is flexible enough to mould himself in all three formats of the game.
Fast Facts
Usman Khawaja was the ’Player of the Australia Under-19 Championship’ in 2005.
He became the first NSW player to score consecutive double centuries for the NSW Second XI.
Add Links:- Australian Cricket Team
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