Usman Khawaja of Australia bats on the first day of the first cricket test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth, Australia, Dec. 14, 2023. Khawaja has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for wearing a black armband in support of Palestinians in Gaza during the first cricket test against Pakistan. (AP)At 37, Australia batter Usman Khawaja is certainly reaching the twilight of his career but former Test captain Tim Paine reckons the opener still has a lot of cricket left in him. Paine considers Khawaja the best opener in world cricket at the moment and wants him to prolong his stay with the Test team.
Paine has the stats to back his claim. Khawaja, who turns 38 next month, has maintained an Ashes series average of 54.04 since moving to the opening spot a couple of years ago.
“From what I’m seeing right now, I think Usman can play for another year or two at least,” Paine said on sports podcast SEN Tassie.
Paine understands that in the late 30s wear and tear takes a bigger toll on the body but trashed any talks of Khawaja retiring any soon.
“I can’t believe we’re even talking about this. If he gets injured, obviously you have to make a call. But someone said the other day, ‘Maybe Usman’s only got another six months or another series in him’ … he’s been nearly the best player in the world, particularly as an opening batter for the last two years,” he said.
Paine heaped praises on Khawaja’s reflex and coordination. He feels the seasoned opener is still in prime condition.
“With his age in cricket, in particular as a batter, is just a number. He doesn’t look like he’s lost reflex, his eyes are good and he’s batting as well as he’s ever batted,” Paine added.
While Paine has thrown his weight behind the 37-year-old batter, he feels 19-year-old NSW batter Sam Kontas could be the ideal future replacement. “The timing for me looks to be lining up that he would be the one who would replace Usman when he decides to call time,” he said.
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