Usman hopes to regain Australia spot through PSL

ISLAMABAD: Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja eyes regaining Cricket Australia (CA) contract, saying his every good performance would help him get back into the national squad.

In a virtual media talk in a run-up to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) VI matches in Abu Dhabi, Usman said in response to a question by ‘The News’ that he had been long waiting to play for Islamabad United. “Since it is the city where I was born and played my cricket in childhood, I wanted to be part of the United. Due to pressing international commitment over the years that was not possible. But now I am here and looking forward to representing the city. My every good performance with the United would help me regain the CA contract. No matter where you play, your form and performance always help you get back in the national team,” he said.

When questioned to share his childhood memories while living in Islamabad, he said he just remembered playing on the streets along with his brothers and sisters. “My family visited here twice after moving to Australia and there I have some memories,” he said.

Usman, however, was wary of playing amid extreme UAE heat, saying it was the worst weather scenario. “Definitely it will be the batsmen who will have to bear the brunt of the weather. It is extremely hot here and when you put a helmet on, things go even tougher. Bowling four overs may not be so demanding but batting for long and that too while wearing a helmet and other gear will surely take its toll. It will be even tougher when asked to play back-to-back matches. It is the humidity that is killing. Yet, we are confident to make our best efforts as we are professionals,” he said.

Usman said that PSL was known for good bowling attacks. “Pacers as well as spinners are considered as very good in the PSL. So am looking forward to playing for the very first time here. I have experience of other franchise cricket including Big Bash, IPL, and Utility Blast. So I am carrying that experience with me and hopefully it will help United. My effort will be to take every game on merit and try to play the role my team and coaches have set for me. You never say anything final about T20 cricket. Sometimes getting 120 becomes all the more difficult. So it all depends on the situation and the wicket. In the United, I have some old friends. Saeed Ajmal is one of them though he is not playing, yet his company keeps me spirited,” he added.