Committed Khawaja ‘ready to go’ for Adelaide challenge

Australia top-order batter Usman Khawaja, who has thus far featured in just a solitary innings of the ongoing Ashes series against England due to back spasms, has put up his hands for the upcoming third Test in Adelaide.

“I feel really good in terms of I'm ready to go,” Khawaja told reporters.

In Khawaja’s absence, Australia promoted their white-ball opener Travis Head to the top. Opening alongside newcomer Jake Weatherald, Head gave the side strong starts with partnerships of 77 (second innings in Perth), 75 and 37 (in Brisbane).

Views have varied on if Australia should continue with this successful pairing or bring back Khawaja into the picture.

The veteran batter, however, was concentrating on building up towards the Test, and wasn’t really concerned with the chatter.

“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.

Khawaja reiterated his commitment to play for Australia, for whom he has scored 6055 runs in 85 Tests at an average of 43.56.

“I'm still valued by the team, still asked to be here to play, so I'm here," Khawaja added.

“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.”

The third Test in Adelaide begins from 17 December. Apart from the historic urn, important ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 points are also at stake for both sides.