Summer of Cricket 2022/23: How Usman Khawaja found his place in the Australian Test team

After the 2013 Ashes tour, Usman Khawaja didn’t want to play for Australia again. Nine years later, things are very different – on and off the field. He opens up to Robert Craddock.

When Usman Khawaja returned from the 2013 Ashes tour, he thought he was done.

Not only had he been dropped from the Australian team midway through a series the tourists lost 3-0, his desire to get back there had evaporated.

“I came back to Queensland and I really didn’t want to play for Australia again,’’ said Khawaja. “I just didn’t enjoy my first nine Test matches.’’

These are strong words. Imagine being 26-years-old, allegedly in the prime of your career, and hoping you DON’T get picked for Australia.

But this was not a fun era. Trapped in the shadows of the great Australian teams who preceded them, the Michael Clarke led team was not a happy unit.

And Khawaja’s batting average of 25 was below everyone’s expectations. He’d had eight scores between 20 and 40 which means he was getting out of the blocks – then faltering.

Usman Khawaja during the 2013 Ashes series in England. Picture: AP Photo/Jon Super

Khawaja knew one thing. If he chained his self-esteem to his cricket career, he would be in trouble. So he set it and himself free.

“I have made a conscious effort not to let cricket dictate my happiness the last five, six or seven years.

“Since I came back into the Australia team in 2015 I have had a different take on life and cricket. My performances after 2015 are two or three times what they were after my first nine Test matches.

“In those early years even when I was scoring runs I wasn’t always happy so something wasn’t right. It wasn’t an easy time to be part of the Australian team. I just didn’t really feel liked I belonged.’’

Born-again Khawaja was the Test match sensation of 2022 with 888 runs at 98 from seven Tests, after being recalled for the first time in three years a wiser, more relaxed man, who let the game come to him rather than snatching at it.

Khawaja with daughter Aisha and Dave Warner and his children after the Ashes victory last summer. Picture: Instagram

Khawaja has made 888 runs at 98 from seven Tests in 2022. Picture: DAVID GRAY / AFP

“I have worked hard to ensure my satisfaction and gratitude does not come from me scoring runs. It comes from other things. Those things are not necessarily materialistic things or cricket itself. In the past if I was scoring runs I was happy. If I wasn’t I was kind of miserable.

“Being in and out and in and out of the Australian team enables you develop a bit of resilience and learn a bit about life. You learn what you can control and what you can’t. You just enjoy the ride and realise there is going to be good and bad times.

“The one thing you can control is how you react to certain situations.

“There was a lot of water went under the bridge before I returned 2015 a better player with a tougher mindset. I wasn’t really expecting to play for Australia so I wasn’t holding on as tight as I was in the past. I still really love playing cricket but at the end of the day I am making sure I am going out and having fun with the boys.

“I accept now that nothing lasts forever and you just have to enjoy the ride.’’

“I am definitely less nervous at the crease. I think that comes with age. When you are young you are more nervous. You ride the highs and lows a bit.

“I think it’s just perspective and having a family and things that happen in general life. As I am talking to you I am switching my daughter from one arm to the other. There is no one thing you can point your finger at. It is a lot of hard work over a long period of time.’’

“I am a big believer in fate.’’

Originally published as Summer of Cricket 2022/23: How Usman Khawaja found his place in the Australian Test team