'I Thought His Time Was Done But..', Admits Jason Gillespie After Usman Khawaja's Stellar Comeback
Khawaja's scintillating ton kept England at bay on day 2 [source: AP]
Former Australian speedster Jason Gillespie has recently revealed that a couple of years ago he believed that Usman Khawaja's time in the Australian Test squad had come to an end.
Jason Gillespie eats his words as Usman Khawaja shines in Ashes opener
Gillespie, who was coaching South Australia at the time, closely observed Khawaja's performance for Queensland and formed the opinion that the left-handed batsman was struggling and lacked the necessary speed. However, since making a remarkable comeback to the Test team in January 2022, Khawaja has displayed exceptional form.
“A couple of years ago, I saw Usman Khawaja play for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield game when I was coaching South Australia. I remember saying: ‘I think he’s past it. I don’t think there’s much left.’ I felt he was a bit slow and he was battling. I thought his time was nearly done,” wrote Gillespie in his column for the Daily Mail.
During the second day of the opening Ashes 2023 Test at Edgbaston on Friday, Khawaja notched a magnificent century. His unbeaten knock of 126 from 279 balls played a pivotal role in Australia's recovery from a shaky position of 67/3 to a strong position of 311/5 by the end of the day, in response to England's first-innings total of 393/8 declared.
Gillespie commended the 36-year-old for proving him wrong and acknowledged Khawaja's exceptional talent.
“Well, he has certainly proved me wrong and I am delighted to admit it. You love it when players show they still have more to give,” added the Aussie veteran.
Gillespie further praised Khawaja for seizing the opportunity that arose in January 2022 when Travis Head was sidelined from the fourth Ashes Test due to Covid. In that match, Khawaja scored a century in each innings. Since then, Khawaja has approached every game with a focused mindset and a sense of urgency, treating each match as if it could be his last.
“It all goes back to that sliding doors moment in January 2022, when Travis Head caught Covid before the fourth Ashes Test and Usman got the opportunity and scored a hundred in each innings. He wasn’t expecting that chance and is now playing every game as if it’s his last, with a real clear mind,” stated Gillespie.
Further drawing parallels between Khawaja and former Australian batsman Justin Langer, Gillespie recollected a similar situation during the 2001 Ashes series when Langer replaced Michael Slater for the final Test. Langer, sensing it could be his last chance, adopted a fearless and enjoyable approach to the game, ultimately leading to a successful career.
“It reminds me of the time Justin Langer replaced Michael Slater for the final Test of the Ashes in 2001. And I see a lot of similarities between the situation Justin was in and where Usman finds himself now,” concluded Gillespie.
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