Usman Khawaja, a major contributor to Australia’s victory in Cycle 2 of the World Test Championship and their advancement to the final in Cycle 3, was questioned on his inconclusive opening against South Africa in the WTC 2025 Final at Lord’s, scheduled for June 11–15.
The Australian batsman had a simple idea and said that opening in Test cricket is a difficult task. Usman Khawaja asserted that rather than his opening partner, he is typically more concerned with the bowlers and the characteristics of the ball. His opening partner could be wondering, he thought.
“To be honest, not really. Opening is really difficult. I’m concerned about what I need to accomplish and how the ball will come to me. On the other hand, whoever is opening with me is thinking the same thing. Usman Khawaja told ICC, “Then we’re kind of in the middle working together how we’re going to blunt out this attack.”
It simply comes down to what I must accomplish for my team: Usman Khawaja
The Southpaw, who worked as an opening partner with David Warner, stated that the discussion would focus on potential ways to slow down the attack. Though he has been opening alongside Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas since Warner’s retirement in January 2024, Khawaja claimed he hasn’t had much communication with them.
“It doesn’t significantly alter my strategy. Without Davey, the transition was likely a little more subdued. However, for me, it only concerns what I must accomplish for my team and where I must collaborate with my partner while on the job,” Usman Khawaja continued.
Khawaja will probably be one of the top openers for Australia’s WTC Final squad. However, McSweeney and Konstas have been competing for the second position. The latter may be able to join Khawaja at the Home of Cricket as a partner after he batted well against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024–2025.
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