Former Australian test Captain Tim Paine has praised Usman Khawaja and backed him to continue playing in international cricket. Recently, has been talks about Usman Khawaja’s retirement.
Tim Paine was talking on SEN Tassie where he said that Khawaja has been the nearly the best player in the world as an opener. The former test captain admitted Khawaja’s injury concerns but expects him to play at least for an year or two.
“I can’t believe we’re even talking about this. He’s been nearly the best player in the world, particularly as an opening batter, for the last two years. With his age in cricket, in particular as a batter, it’s just a number. He doesn’t look like he’s lost reflex, his eyes are good, and he’s batting as well as he’s ever batted”, he said.
The former wicket-keeper batter and test captain also praised youngster Sam Konstas. He said that the 19 year old batter from the New South Wales can replace Usman Khawaja when the time comes.
Paine suggests Sam Konstas as a replacement for Usman Khawaja
Paine said, “If something were to happen in the short-term, I think we’ve got our answer. Out of the four guys that are playing right now, I think they would lean toward Sam Konstas if something were to happen to a second opener”.
“I said to you last week, he played a few shots that show he’s going to be a gun. You can tell he’s going to handle the occasion”, he added.
Paine concluded with, “The timing for me looks to be lining up that he would be the one to replace Usman when he decides to call time. But hopefully, Usman has a clean bill of health during the summer because he’s going to be really important for us”.
Usman Khawaja has 5451 runs in 73 test matches. He averages 45.90 and has 15 centuries and 26 fifties to his name. Khawaja averages 54.04 since he started opening in the 2021-22 Ashes series. The much anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 will start from 22nd November 2024. The first test will be played at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
