Usman Khawaja takes aim at Ian Healy as war erupts over radio remark

Usman Khawaja has taken aim at Australian cricket legend Ian Healy over explosive remarks he made on radio regarding the star.

Under fire Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has advanced down the wicket and whacked cricket icon Ian Healy over the fence.

Khawaja found himself in the firing line after missing last week’s Sheffield Shield match, instead attending the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne with his wife Rachel.

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On Friday morning the Australian Test opener hit back as he made several startling claims, describing some rumours as “categorically untrue”.

In his explosive press conference, Khawaja hit back at Healy’s remarks after the cricket great questioned the Test opener’s commitment to playing for Queensland.

Healy, the deputy chair of Queensland cricket, delivered both barrels to the 38-year-old and also put Cricket Australia under the spotlight.

“What we shouldn’t forget is when Usman makes a team and (is) in a game he is 100 per cent in,” Healy said on SEN.

“When he gets into the environment he is fine. It’s just this pick and choose mentality that has been evident in his later years that Queensland haven’t been happy with.

“I’m glad I didn’t have my television on (to see him at the F1).

“Cricket Australia should feel a little under the pump with this … I spoke with them, and they weren’t aware of Queensland’s concerns with him not playing for Queensland, they wish we would have rung them earlier.

“It was the last round of the Sheffield Shield to get into the final … I wanted Cricket Australia to feel a little bit of heat for allowing that to happen.”

Healy was not happy with Khawaja for missing the Shield match. Picture: Evan Morgan

Khawaja was left disappointed by the radio remarks from the Australian cricket great and said nobody should be questioning his commitment to the state.

“I started hearing rumours and reports about me opting out and all the stuff. And I was actually really devastated,” Khawaja said.

“People started making up their own minds. Most disappointing, obviously, a board member (Healy on SEN) started to attack me, which was really disappointing for me, because I feel like the board has a responsibility to the organisation and the players.

“That was extremely disappointing, but obviously I didn’t want to make a big deal about it, so I just kept talking behind the scenes. The amount I’ve given to Queensland … you can tell I get a bit emotional, you give your heart and soul for this organisation.

“Yes, I’m 38 years old and I’m getting a bit older and sometimes workloads come into it. I left my family before Cyclone Alfred was going to hit and we all talked about it.”

Khawaja did not hold back on the swirling rumours. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Khawaja singled out Joe Dawes, claiming the leading Queensland Cricket (QC) official lied in saying the Test opener didn’t have the hamstring injury the veteran batsman gave as the reason for missing the Bulls’ crucial Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.

Dawes had claimed earlier in the week that QC was not aware of any lingering injuries, claims Khawaja categorically refuted.

“The first and foremost thing, Joey said the medical staff had no idea. That is 100 per cent wrong. I’ve talked to both our physios … I was talking to the Australian physio the whole time. It’s on AMS – our athlete management system – my hammy is reported, everything is there, everyone knew about it,” Khawaja said.

With the issue continuing to linger, Khawaja said he’s not expecting an apology from Dawes anytime soon, pointing the finger at his longstanding friendship with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

“He’s best mates with Peter Dutton and I’ve never seen Dutton given an apology in 20 years,” Khawaja said.

“I’m not going to expect it. This is not about an apology at all. In all seriousness, I’m just here getting all the facts out.”

Dawes hit out on Wednesday at Khawaja. Photo: Fox Sports.

Later on Friday, Khawaja was named in Queensland’s 14-player squad for the Sheffield Shield final, against South Australia, having passed a fitness test.

Queensland squad for Sheffield Shield final

Marnus Labuschagne (c)

Jack Clayton

Lachlan Hearne

Usman Khawaja

Angus Lovell

Ben McDermott

Michael Neser

Jimmy Peirson

Matthew Renshaw

Mark Steketee

Tom Straker

Mitchell Swepson

Callum Vidler

Jack Wildermuth

Originally published as Usman Khawaja takes aim at Ian Healy as war erupts over radio remark