Advertisement

Usman Khawaja's brutal response to stinging Ian Chappell criticism

Riley Morgan
·Sports Reporter
·3-min read
Usman Khawaja (pictured right) before a Sheffield Shield match and Ian Chappell (pictured left) during commentary.
Usman Khawaja (pictured right) hit back at Ian Chappell (pictured left) after his critique of his batting. (Getty Images)

Usman Khawaja has taken a dig at Australian great Ian Chappell after his selection critique over Australian's Ashes conundrum.

Khawaja is in the conversation to be recalled to the Test team for the first time since he was dropped in 2019.

WOW: James Pattinson cops massive punishment for 'disgraceful' act

DISASTER: $8.3 billion truth emerges in India World Cup shocker

'HEARTBREAKING': T20 World Cup rocked by devastating tragedy

The former Australian batter has the chance of a recall after another concussion injury to young star Will Pucovksi, which was suffered during a training session.

Khawaja has been in strong Sheffield Shield form and is a near certainty to be part of Australia's star-studded trial match in Brisbane on December 1-3, which selectors will use to finalise the Test squad.

The 34-year-old noted on the eve of Queensland's Shield clash with Western Australia at the Gabba that he would happily bat anywhere in Australia's top six, but added the middle order may be a more sensible fit than opening.

However, Chappell offered his thoughts on why he wouldn't recall Khawaja to the team.

The Aussie great offered a counter-argument and claimed the left-hander was a "good player against mediocre bowling", but England's experienced attack would overwhelm him.

Khawaja said the former Test skipper's analysis was "water off a duck's back" but couldn't resist a retort.

"Chappelli's not even the best player in his family," he laughed.

Usman Khawaja (pictured) celebrates bringing up his century during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Queensland at Adelaide Oval.
Usman Khawaja (pictured) celebrates bringing up his century during day three of the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and Queensland at Adelaide Oval. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images) (Mark Brake via Getty Images)

"So if I'm going to take advice, I might take it from his younger brother.

"Who I get along with very well too, GC (Greg Chappell) is a legend.

"Chappelli will have his opinions. As a player you have to concentrate on the things you're good at."

Khawaja averages almost 100 in seven Test innings as an opener, highlighting why many feel he should face the new ball.

However, Khawaja's dominant form has come while batting at second drop for Queensland.

"For me, if there's a spot at five then it's as likely as opening. It probably makes more sense in some respects," Khawaja told reporters in Brisbane.

"I've talked to selectors about it, I've told them I can bat anywhere in the order.

"But in saying that, there's a lot of good players out there."

Usman Khajawa hopes for Ashes recall

Khawaja reiterated he was not stewing over selectors' thoughts or his hopes of a recall, having learned a long time ago that it could only have negative repercussions.

"I'm really enjoying life at the moment. I've got a lot of things to be grateful for," he said.

"If it does happen, great.

"If it doesn't, I'll still be out there giving my 100 per cent for whoever.

"I don't want to get too far ahead of myself."

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.