Upbeat Khawaja: We won’t get lazy

Australian batsman Usman Khawaja says the team will not be lazy after their stirring first Test win over England.

Usman Khawaja during his innings of 51 against Worcester. Picture: Getty Images

Batsman Usman Khawaja has put Edgbaston in his top five of Test wins but said the back-to-work mentality of a tour game ensured the Australians wouldn’t “get lazy” with four Tests to go.

Most of the 17-man Ashes squad had just one day to bask in the glory of the first Test win, with 11 turning out for a three-day tour game in Worcester.

Fast bowlers Peter Siddle and James Pattinson travelled to the West Midlands city but didn’t play.

Dual century-maker Steve Smith was given time off after his Birmingham efforts that Khawaja labelled “exceptional” but not sur­prising, despite the match being the former skipper’s first Test after a 12-month ban.

“I’ve seen him do it so often, it was just like another day at the office,” Khawaja said after making 51 against Worcestershire.

“His hunger, his decision-making is the best in the world in Test cricket.

“The way he backs up hundreds after hundreds; when he gets on a roll, he keeps it going.

“To come back first game the way he did was exceptional, and the team is really stoked for him.”

The victory was Khawaja’s first in England, which ensured it was high on his list of best wins.

“Yeah, it would have to be top five at least,” he said.

“I’ve never won in England. I’ve played three Test matches here (all in 2013), and it’s never easy.

“But the way we played, the way Steve played throughout the Test match and the contributions everyone had … it was a culmination of a lot of hard work. Test cricket is hard. You could get lazy but you have to get back out there and get something out of it.”

Herald Sun