‘Honestly, I thought that 44 Test matches, my career was done’ - Usman Khawaja concerning his Test comeback

(Source - Twitter)

Australia opener Usman Khawaja was delighted after smashing a magnificent hundred on Day 2 of the first Ashes 2023 Test in Edgbaston. Given that it was his first time on English soil, his joy in scoring a crucial century indicated the importance this moment meant to him. Australia scored 386 runs on Sunday, being seven runs short of England's first-inning total of 393 runs, owing in major part to a dazzling century from Khawaja on Day 2 of the Edgbaston Test.

Following consecutively centuries in that Test, the southpaw went up to the top of the order of play and started racking up runs almost freely. The 36-year-old has stated that before returning to the Test team to compete in the Ashes in 2021, he feared his career was over.

"Honestly, I thought that after 44 Test matches, my career was done. I was very content and happy. Most people don't get to play 44 Test matches. Scored 8 hundreds, been a part of Ashes-winning teams, and lots of winning teams. So, when I got an opportunity to play again, honestly every Test feels like a bonus. Nothing lasts forever, so I am enjoying the ride," Khawaja was quoted as saying by India Today.

I was probably in the best spot ever coming into England: Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja had earlier toured England but hadn't been scoring runs. Although many thought that his hundred at Edgbaston relieved him of pressure, Khawaja stated that he has been relishing his game despite his individual achievement.

"Majority of things that happen as a batter are in your head, Very few times it might be technical. For me, I was probably in the best spot ever coming into England. I know this is probably going to be my last tour. I know that I was going to enjoy this tour. For me, I know that if the team is doing well, I am enjoying my cricket, but at the same time if I am a part of that, I got to keep scoring runs too. So, it all came together I guess," He added further.

With an outstanding 141 at the conclusion of the innings, Khawaja aided Australia in reducing their deficit on England's first-innings tally.