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'What You Rebel...': Usman Khawaja Compares Shaheen Afridi To Mitchell Starc

image-lpkyvng6Shaheen Afridi congratulating Usman Khawaja during a Test match in 2022 (x.com)

Australian veteran Usman Khawaja has opened up about his side’s forthcoming Test challenge against the visiting Pakistan team. The dashing opening batsman expressed caution regarding a potential threat posed by Shaheen Afridi with the new ball, and even drew parallels between the fast bowler and Australia’s very own pace maverick Mitchell Starc.


Khawaja praises Shaheen ahead of Pakistan Tests

Australian batting stalwart Usman Khawaja recently praised Pakistan new-ball speedster Shaheen Afridi ahead of their three-match Test series in December. The seasoned 37-year-old cricketer drew parallels between Afridi and Mitchell Starc, and underscored his wariness of the Pakistani speedster’s exceptional prowess in swinging the ball.

Khawaja is of the opinion that Shaheen might well pose a serious threat to the hosts batters, especially during overcast Australian conditions. He said:

“I think Shaheen Shah and Mitchell Starc, both are very fast bowlers, and both can bowl up to 145. We know Starc can swing the new ball. Shaheen has a very good wrist. He definitely swings the ball. When it's overcast in Australian conditions, if a fast bowler is swinging the ball, it makes our job as an opener a bit tough. This is what you rebel for, this is what you play for.”


Watch: Usman Khawaja praises Shaheen Afridi

Usman Khawaja also hailed Babar Azam and described the former Pakistan captain as one of the best all-format batsmen in the world.

Australia’s three-match Test series is set to commence on December 14 at the iconic Perth Stadium. While the series forms the second chapter in the legacy of the Benaud–Qadir Trophy between the two sides, the fixtures also constitute a part of the ongoing 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.