Adelaide, December 13 (Udaipur Kiran) – Experienced Australian opener Usman Khawaja has declared himself 100 percent fit ahead of the third Ashes Test, affirming his full commitment to playing for Australia. However, he acknowledged that his selection in the final eleven is not in his hands.

On the second day of the Adelaide Test, the 39-year-old Khawaja said he is not troubled by the ongoing speculation about his place in the team. While the new opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald has performed well, making the selectors’ decision difficult, Khawaja described this as a natural process.

Speaking to Cricket Australia, Khawaja said, “I am still important to the team, I am being asked to play and that is why I am here. As long as I am valued, I will keep doing my job.”

The 85-Test veteran dismissed retirement rumours, defending his record by saying he has succeeded in varied conditions and formats, and still has several ‘gears’ left in his game.

He added, “I enjoy competition. The real test is to perform consistently over a long period, not just in one or two matches.”

Khawaja also made it clear that outside criticism or opinions do not affect him.

He said, “People have their own opinions and that’s perfectly fine. I don’t waste time worrying about what others think of me.”

It is notable that during the Perth Test, Khawaja suffered back spasms for the first time in his career. This prevented him from opening in the first innings, and as his condition worsened, he missed the Gabba Test.

Now fit and back, Khawaja revealed that he has changed his preparation methods following the injury.

“I am now more cautious. On flight days, I don’t do much and prepare my body gradually. The long travel and delays worsened the problem in Perth,” he explained.

The Australian team has regrouped in Adelaide after a short break and will hold a main practice session ahead of the third Ashes Test starting Wednesday. Khawaja concluded, “I am fully ready to play. The rest is out of my control, so we will see what happens next.”

(Udaipur Kiran) Dubey

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