BBL 2023-24: Usman Khawaja opens up on PM XI disappointment, retirement and a Big Bash smokey muso

Usman Khawaja likes the concept of the Prime Minister’s XI – but not when it undermines the Big Bash as his Brisbane Heat go into the opening rounds without four likely starters.

Usman Khawaja has criticised the timing of this week’s Prime Minister’s XI game which has devastated the opening rounds of the Big Bash.

Khawaja’s Brisbane Heat will launch the Big Bash against the Stars at the Gabba on Thursday but will be without four players who will be playing for the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra.

The Heat are shattered to lose keeper Jimmy Peirson, Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney and Michael Neser from their first two games while the Stars will lose Mark Steketee and Beau Webster from the season opener.

The national selectors will on Sunday name their squad for the opening Test against Pakistan, meaning the PM’s game has no instant selection relevance.

“I really like the concept (of the PM’s game) but I don’t like it clashing with the Big Bash,’’ Brisbane Heat skipper Khawaja said.

“It devalues the Big Bash. That is the opposite of what you want to do. You already have Test players out of it (for most of the competition). Then you take our best support players out of it.

Brisbane Heat players Mitch Swepson and Usman Khawaja, with fans Brook O’Keeffe, John Savage and Greg Abell at the Gabba before their opening round game against the Melbourne Stars. Picture Lachie Millard

“It’s tough for us (the Heat) this year because we are losing players to the (PM’s game) which I find really frustrating to be playing that game in the middle of the season.’’

Due to a heavy Test summer against Pakistan and the West Indies, Khawaja’s role with the Heat is uncertain beyond the opening fixture.

Last season Khawaja helped the Heat in a late season surge before watching the semi-final and the final (won by the Scorchers) when he was on tour in India.

“I remember when I got off the plane Michael Neser had just done that amazing innings to get us over the line in the semis.

“Then the WA and Heat boys were all in one room in India watching the final. A really good atmosphere. Very funny. We were getting into each other. They somehow got home. It hurt. It was a game we should have won.’’

Usman Khawaja is not thinking about retirement and just wants people to stop asking him. and ask Nathan Lyon instead. Picture: PETER PARKS / AFP

THE R WORD

Khawaja may be 36 but he is in the best form of his career as this week’s century against Western Australia at the Gabba showed.

There is a saying about retirement that once you start thinking about it a part of you retires but that thought has not forced its way into his head.

“It’s funny no-one asks Nathan Lyon about it. He is only a year younger than me. Ask him. Get off my case (laughs).

“I know people on the outside are thinking about it but I am not. people just look at my age and assume I’m thinking about it but to me age has got nothing to do with it. Physically I am keen to do it. So it is the question of mentally are you willing to put in the hard work?

“Those are the two attributes. One of them sometimes gives way and you don't have a choice. I am still enjoying the game,

“I could play for one game or five years. I wouldn’t really know.’’

Hard hitting muso Jack Wood makes his return to the Heat after a COVID inspired cameo in 2020. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

THE GUITAR MAN

Khawaja has branded big hitting, guitar playing, songwriter Jack Wood as a player to watch this season.

An electrician by trade, Wood has started a career as a singer-songwriter and plays gigs during the summer as well as T20 cricket.

“I think he is our smokey. He was in the squad a few years ago then missed a contract the last couple of years. Now he is back.

“He has been absolutely whacking them. My nephew plays for Randwick-Petersham, my old club, in Sydney told me that “this Woodsy guy can really whack them.

“He is very quiet but he can sing and play guitar so he has skills outside the game. His batting is exciting so it would be exciting to see him get some games this year.’’

Originally published as BBL 2023-24: Usman Khawaja opens up on PM XI disappointment, retirement and a Big Bash smokey muso