Australian opener Usman Khawaja says he remains committed to Test cricket as he waits to find out if he still has a role in the Ashes.
Khawaja turns 39 on Thursday, the second day of the third Ashes Test, and is nearing the end of his time in international cricket.
He started the series against England in Perth but suffered back spasms which saw him drop down the order in both innings and Travis Head was promoted in his place at the Gabba last week.
The selectors have kept the 85-cap veteran in their squad amid suggestions they could return Head to his usual place in the middle order, with Khawaja insisting he is ready to go.
“I’m still valued by the team, still asking me to be here to play, so I’m here. 100 percent fit,” he told reporters in Adelaide.
“I’m not here to stick around, I’m just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I’m appreciated, I’m here, doing my job. I just love to compete. I can bat in many different ways. I’ve been successful in all formats, I’ve got the equipment when I want it.
“My sample size will tell you that you have to find a way to be consistent over a long period of time, not just a game or two.
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Australian radio station 92.7 Mix FM found the England cricket team relaxing on the beach to go sledding, which was carried away by Ben Stokes in good spirits!
Khawaja was criticized in some quarters for playing a golf tournament ahead of the series and then pulling out injured during the first game.
Some have even questioned his commitment to the team, but with a 14-year international career under his belt, he feels there is no reason to answer.
“I could have retired two years ago. I could have retired anytime. I’m still very committed,” he said.
“I’m a guy who, as much as people want to get mad at me sometimes, I love playing for Australia. I train hard, I do everything right.
“For me, it’s more just being a professional. People can have their opinions, I’m absolutely not worried about that. I can’t sit and worry about what other people think, especially outside the team.”
Hazlewood is determined to continue with Test cricket despite Ashes heartbreak
Josh Hazlewood now aims to be fit for the 2026 Cricket World Cup
Australian quick Josh Hazlewood said he is determined to persevere in all three formats despite missing the entire Ashes series through injury.
“My body still feels as strong as ever. It’s just little things creeping in here and there. I’m still determined to play the three formats to the best of my ability,” he said Sydney Daily Telegraph.
“You’ll still miss the odd game here and there; nobody can do everything, unless you’re a batsman, but I still enjoy all the different demands of the three formats.”
“It keeps it fresh by preparing for each different format.”
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Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton discuss Brendon McCullum’s ‘over-prepared’ claim as England head into the crucial third Test against Australia in Adelaide.
Hazlewood, 34, beat Australia in Perth and Brisbane with a hamstring problem and is now suffering from an Achilles problem as the paceman works to be fit for the World T20 in India and Sri Lanka in February and March.
“When you get injured in the middle of a series or right before a series starts, you’re often chasing your tail anyway,” he added.
“I could have probably come back for one or two Tests with the hamstring, but then you’re left quite vulnerable when you go into a test match without much.
“Every day you don’t bowl is another day you have to bowl to get back to where you were.”
“Obviously things are easier when you’re awake and have a good job under your belt.”
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26
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