Australia opener Usman Khawaja opened up on his Pakistan roots ahead of the first PAK vs AUS Test set to commence on December 14. A rehauled Pakistan led by skipper Shan Masood will take on Australia in a three-match Test series. Ahead of the series, Khawaja – who has grown up in Pakistan – spoke about his sentimental attachment with the Asian nation.
Khawaja reveals he never forgets he came from ‘Pakistan’
Speaking to AAP ahead of the 1st Test, Usman Khawaja revealed the magic moment behind his century at Karachi in 2022. Opening up on the special moment, the left-handed opener recounted that the knock was special, given that his father grew up in Pakistan and that there was some nostalgia when his son batted there. Stating that he loves Australia but would never ‘forget where he came from’, Usman revealed that his father’s idols included Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas.
“My dad (Tariq), he obviously grew up in Pakistan and supported Pakistan in cricket and would have been about 40 when we emigrated. I am sure for him there is a bit of nostalgia when I play Pakistan. So me getting a Test hundred in Karachi, that was really special. That meant a lot. I love Australia, but I never forget where I came from. Some of my dad’s heroes were Pakistani cricketers. He talks a lot about Javed Miandad, probably his favourite batsman, and Zaheer Abbas,” Khwaja said as quoted while saying to Australian Associated Press (AAP).
Usman Khawaja: Born Pakistani
For the unversed, Khawaja lived in Islamabad for only four years. Later, his family shifted to Australia, and Khawaja fell in love with cricket. He represented Queensland before making his Australia debut in 2010.
The Aussie opener was the top performer during earlier Test series between these two teams in 2023. Pakistan will be hoping this time they try to keep Khawaja quiet with bat in hand.
Pakistan vs Australia Schedule
1st Test: December 14-18, Perth
2nd Test: December 26-30, Melbourne
3rd Test: January 3-7, Sydney
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