‘Fuming’ Khawaja bites at ‘100 per cent wrong’ critics

Usman Khawaja has launched a passionate defence of his Sheffield Protect absence, slamming Queensland’s head of cricket Joe Dawes for “categorically unfaithful” feedback that left him “fuming”.

A furore erupted when Dawes took goal on the veteran for sitting out the drawn conflict with South Australia that enabled the Bulls to qualify for the ultimate.

Khawaja, set to be named afterward Friday within the Bulls aspect for the Sheffield Protect last in Adelaide subsequent week, known as a press convention to supply a proof.

He mentioned a plan had been formulated with Cricket Australia medical workers and selector George Bailey to handle an ongoing hamstring criticism that he had performed by within the earlier spherical in opposition to Tasmania.

That recreation occurred as Cyclone Alfred hit Brisbane, Khawaja leaving his younger household to play and rating a century regardless of batting in discomfort.

He mentioned he hadn’t spoken to Dawes, who mentioned Khawaja had the all-clear from medical workers to play South Australia, in over a month.

“Joey mentioned the medical workers had no concept; that’s 100 per cent fallacious,” he mentioned.

“I used to be speaking to the Australian physio the entire time.

“Everybody knew about it … that was one of the surprising issues … categorically unfaithful.

“I do not do something with out speaking to CA first. They at all times have last say.”

Khawaja mentioned he had texted Bulls coach Johan Botha to tell him of his unique plan that was primarily based round not taking part in back-to-back fixtures, however by no means acquired a reply.

The Take a look at opener mentioned it “felt like it could pop” in Tasmania, resorting to jogging whereas on the crease as they posted an important nine-wicket win.

However at no stage was that administration plan, or the damage, mentioned with Botha or Queensland Cricket.

Khawaja, contracted to Cricket Australia, thought-about the scenario beneath management till hypothesis swirled final week.

The 38-year-old then attended Melbourne’s Australian Grand Prix, mixing pictures of his time on the grid with one among him doing hamstring rehabilitation on his social media account.

On the Bulls’ return to Brisbane on Tuesday, Dawes mentioned he was disillusioned by Khawaja’s absence and “I’ve acquired a bunch of blokes right here that every one need to play”.

Khawaja mentioned he had Cricket Australia’s blessing to attend the Grand Prix and was joyful to fix his relationship with Dawes – a former Protect-winning quick bowler for the Bulls – after subsequent week’s last.

“I am going residence and curl up in a ball, or I am going and watch F1,” Khawaja mentioned.

“I nonetheless take care of my physique. It isn’t by any coincidence I am 38 and nonetheless taking part in.

“The optics look unhealthy … that is why I wished to talk out.

“Identical to Joey would have given; you give your coronary heart and soul to this organisation,” he mentioned.

“I nonetheless do love Queensland Cricket, it doesn’t matter what occurs.”

Khawaja has his sights set on persevering with in Take a look at cricket till the top of subsequent summer time’s residence Ashes collection.

He captained the Bulls to their final Sheffield Protect title in 2020-21 when Australia teammate Marnus Labuschagne was man of the match with a superb 193 in an emphatic innings and 33-run defeat of NSW at Allan Border Subject.

Labuschagne, who will captain the Bulls within the Protect last, was not involved when he spoke earlier concerning the Khawaja scenario.

He mentioned the left-hander lacking the ultimate recreation in Adelaide and being obtainable for the ultimate was in essence “the right consequence”.

“We perceive if we wish the most effective out of him he’ll want to verify he is able to go and contemporary so he does not get himself injured,” he mentioned.