Usman Khawaja no longer obsessed with playing for Australia and pressure release has him back at his best

USMAN Khajawa is all but certain to bat at No.3 for Australia in the first Ashes Test against England, with a simple change in priority the secret behind his return to form.

Usman Khawaja celebrates a century while playing for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.

USMAN Khawaja’s decision to rank Test cricket alongside playing for Queensland has rocketed the Bulls captain back into the Ashes arena.

Khawaja is expected to be named on Friday in Australia’s squad for the opening Ashes Test against England at the Gabba, starting November 23.

The elegant left-handed batsman was dropped for the sixth time in his 24-Test career during Australia’s tour of Bangladesh in September.

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For some, it would have been a crushing blow. But Khawaja’s mindset has changed throughout his career.

Now 30, he is no longer obsessed with playing for Australia and can find happiness pulling on the maroon of Queensland.

“I don’t put things on pedestals,” Khawaja told The Sunday Mail.

Usman Khawaja is expected to be named in Australia’s Ashes squad for the first Test.

“I love playing for Queensland. I’m very fortunate to be captaining Queensland. When I’m doing that, I’m very happy and content.

“I’m not worrying about the other stuff that goes on. That will take care of itself and if it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.

“I just love playing cricket. Where I am right now, I’m very happy with how things are going. I’m enjoying it.

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“When I was young all I wanted to do was be the best I can and play for Australia and do all that.

“The one major positive that came for myself when I moved to Queensland (in 2012) is I put all that stuff to the side. It’s part of growing up.

“Now all I care about is the team winning cricket games and whatever I can do to help that. That matters more so now that I’m captain.

Usman Khawaja celebrates a century while playing for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.

“It’s a very fun way to play so I’m not going to stop doing that.”

Khawaja has captained the Bulls to two straight wins to start the Sheffield Shield season ahead of this week’s crucial clash against NSW at Allan Border Field.

The Blues will rest fast bowling guns Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins in the lead-up to the first Test but there is plenty on the line for Queensland.

It is Khawaja’s final chance to impress Test selectors before they pick their Ashes squad on Wednesday night and reveal it two days later.

He is averaging 72.33 in the Shield this summer following a strong JLT Cup one-day campaign and is all but certain of an Ashes recall to bat at No.3.

Usman Khawaja is no longer obsessed with playing for Australia and releasing that pressure has allowed him to return to form. Picture: Getty

“Absolutely, everyone wants to play in an Ashes series, there’s no doubt about that,” Khawaja said.

“We’ve also got a big game coming up against New South Wales so I can’t look too far ahead.

“There is a big four days coming up and I’d love to get another win. Once that is done, I can concentrate on whatever comes next.

“It’s good to start off with a couple of early wins to set the season up. Hopefully we can get another couple before Christmas.”

While Khawaja is assured of an Ashes call-up, fellow Queenslander Matt Renshaw is under some pressure to retain his berth in the Test team.

Renshaw, 21, has posted Shield scores of 17, 16, 1 and 19 at the top of the order for Queensland and needs a big innings to cement his spot.