An emotional Usman Khawaja has unleashed on Queensland’s head of elite cricket Joe Dawes and Ian Healy, swipes at Peter Dutton
Australian Test star Usman Khawaja isn’t holding his breath waiting for an apology from state officials, swiping Opposition Leader Peter Dutton as he accused Queensland Cricket of spreading “blatant mistruths” in regards to his injury.
An emotional Usman Khawaja has accused Queensland Cricket of spreading blatant mistruths about his injury claims, firing back at Joe Dawes and Test great Ian Healy.
Khawaja also admits he has had a “communication breakdown’’ with Queensland Bulls management and has not spoken to Dawes for more than a month.
Even opposition leader Peter Dutton, a former work colleague and fellow policeman like Dawes, got a mention when Khawaja was asked whether he expected an apology off Dawes.
“He’s best mates with Peter Dutton and I have never seen Dutton give an apology in 20 years,’’ Khawaja said.
“I am not going to expect it. This is not about an apology. I am just here getting all the facts out.’’
Khawaja called out Dutton last July for a comment the opening batsman described as “bigotry at its finest ... Fuelling Islamophobia from the very top” on social media.
The nuclear fallout between Khawaja and Queensland Cricket kept sizzling as he spoke to the media at 9am before a training session at Allan Border Field.
Khawaja, who controversially missed the Bulls final match against South Australia, had his suspect hamstring tested at training and was later named in Queensland’s 14-man squad for next week’s final against South Australia in Adelaide.
With his eyes moistened by the mist of emotions stirring within, Khawaja, who was criticised by Dawes for missing the final match in an extraordinary outburst on Wednesday, delivered his side of the story of a hamstring injury Dawes claimed did not exist.
“Joe Dawes came out the other day and said a few inflammatory things, which is really disappointing to me as a player,’’ Khawaja said.
“More so for me, obviously, he talked about the medical stuff, which I was flabbergasted about, to be honest. The other bit about me not wanting to play for Queensland and there’s other blokes around (who do) was probably the most disheartening thing.
“I just felt like I had to speak up and at least give my side of the story. Joey said that the medical staff had no idea (of the hamstring). That is 100% wrong.
“I’ve talked to all 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. That was probably one of the most shocking things I heard. It was really disappointing, because it’s categorically untrue.’’
Khawaja claimed when he arrived back from February’s Sri Lanka tour he was “sore’’ and managing a calf niggle from the first Test. He said he spoke to Australian selection chairman George Bailey who agreed Khawaja should take the final Sheffield Shield game off, a decision which caused outrage among Queensland cricket old boys and the management.
Dawes has not guaranteed Khawaja a place in the final but the Bulls management are hopelessly compromised given they remarkably gave coach Johan Botha a game off to compete in a masters fun run early in the season.
Khawaja also defended his decision to attend the Formula One in Melbourne when his team were playing the final Shield game.
“I talked to (Australian coach) Andrew McDonald yesterday, and he’s like, Uzi, what you do with your spare time? I have no issue with whatsoever.
“I mean, I either go at home and curl up in a ball, or I go watch FI at the end of the day. I’m still doing my rehab. I still got three gym sessions in while I was away in Melbourne. “I sat down with George Bailey and we came up with a plan that I would play Tasmania. I would take the next game off.
“I’m 38 years old, guys. I can’t burn the candle at both ends. I do have to look after myself in some respect, and Queensland cricket do know that.
“I texted Joe and Botha and let him know (about his plan with Bailey). I didn’t really get a reply but I was in the team for Tassie, so I assume everyone knew what was going on.
“The day before Tassie felt my hammy tighten, and I was worried. I went and had a hit. I told the physio and he was a little bit worried too. Then we decided we’d come back the next day. If it got worse, I was 100% not going to play. I have had about 10 hamstrings in my time so I am quite adept now.
“I played but I was turning threes into twos. It was a little embarrassing.’’
After the game Khawaja said he told CA medical staff he thought the hamstring was going to pop.
“So my preference was to stick to the same plan that we had. And he agreed. It’s too much risk for you to go out and play back to back games where we thought. I was in discussion with CA the whole time.’’
“The a few days later, I started hearing rumours and reports about me opting out and all the stuff. And I was actually really devastated.
“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 a heart of 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 said he had had many arguments with officials during his career but was happy to extend the olive branch over this fallout … but the wounds seem deep.
KHAWAJA NAMED FOR BULLS
Khawaja will play for the Bulls in next week’s Sheffield Shield final despite falling out with team management.
Khawaja strongly criticised Bulls cricket boss Joe Dawes at a Friday morning press conference but hours later was confirmed to return to the squad for next week’s final against South Australia in Adelaide.
Khawaja, who missed the final match of the regular season against South Australia, has claimed he was suffering a hamstring strain which Dawes had claimed he had no knowledge of.
Khawaja batted in the nets on Friday and was later cleared to play.
Opener Matt Renshaw, whose wife Josie is expecting their second child, has been included in the squad.
Queensland: 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.
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