Usman Khawaja’s journey as a cricketer reflects not only his skills on the field but also his resilience and determination. Born in Pakistan and later moving to Australia, Khawaja faced the challenges of adapting to a new country and cricketing environment. His debut in the 2011 Sydney Ashes Test marked a historic moment as he became the first Muslim to play for Australia.
Initially stepping in for the injured Ricky Ponting, Khawaja showcased his batting prowess and composure, offering a glimmer of hope in a series that had been challenging for Australia. Despite early opportunities, he struggled to consistently convert promising starts into substantial innings. However, a move from New South Wales to Queensland in 2012 proved pivotal in rejuvenating his career and reigniting his passion for the game.
A setback in the form of a severe knee injury in 2014 tested Khawaja’s resolve. Still, his return to captain Australia A in 2015 earned him recognition. His leadership role continued when he captained Queensland for the 2015-16 season. Khawaja’s proficiency in T20 cricket was evident when he played a crucial role in Sydney Thunder’s triumph in the 2015-16 Big Bash League, underlining his adaptability across formats.
The turning point in Khawaja’s Test career came in 2018 in the UAE when he played a match-saving century against Pakistan in Dubai. This inning not only showcased his ability to perform under pressure but also established him as a senior batter in the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner due to the ball-tampering scandal.
Khawaja’s fortunes fluctuated, and he faced challenges in maintaining his spot in both the Test and ODI sides. However, he made a strong comeback in 2022 when called up to the Test team due to Travis Head’s COVID-19 diagnosis. Khawaja seized the opportunity with back-to-back centuries, earning him the Player of the Series title on Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan. His remarkable comeback serves as a testament to his skill, patience, and unwavering determination, emphasizing his contribution to Australian cricket.
| FULL NAME | Usman Tariq Khawaja |
|---|---|
| NICKNAME | Uzzie |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Islamabad, Pakistan |
| BORN | December 18, 1986 |
| HEIGHT | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| EYE COLOUR | Black |
| JERSEY NO. | 1 (ICC), 1 (IPL) |
| BATTING STYLE | Left-hand Bat |
| BOWLING STYLE | Right-arm Medium |
| FATHER | Tariq Khawaja |
| MOTHER | Fozia Tariq |
| BROTHER | Nauman Khawaja and Arsalan Khawaja |
| ZODIAC SIGN | Capricorn |
Usman Khawaja Biography And Career Information
Usman Khawaja
Australian Batsman Usman Khawaja was Born on December 18, 1986, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Usman Tariq Khawaja emerged into the world with the vibrant backdrop of Pakistan’s capital city. This significant date marks the inception of a journey that would later see him become a prominent figure in Australian international cricket, showcasing his skills and resilience on the global stage.
Early Life and Background
Usman Khawaja moved to Australia with his family at a young age, bringing a blend of Pakistani heritage and Australian upbringing to his identity.
International Debut
Usman Khawaja marked his international debut for Australia in The 2011 Sydney Ashes Test, becoming the first Muslim to play for the country. His composed innings in that match hinted at the promise that lay ahead.
- ODI – January 11, 2012 vs Sri Lanka in Melbourne
- T20I – January 31, 2016 vs India in Sydney
- Test – January 3, 2011, vs England in Sydney
Domestic Transition
In 2012, a move from New South Wales to Queensland reinvigorated Khawaja’s career. He expressed a renewed joy for the game, and the change in scenery marked a turning point.
T20 Triumph and Test Leadership
The 2015-16 season showcased Khawaja’s T20 excellence, dominating the Big Bash League (BBL) with Sydney Thunder and leading them to victory.
His Test career reached new heights in 2018 when he played an epic match-saving century against Pakistan in the UAE, assuming a leadership role in the absence of key players.
ODI Success and World Cup Journey
Khawaja’s prowess in One Day Internationals (ODIs) shone in 2019, with stellar performances in India and the UAE. This secured his place in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup squad.
Financial Success
As of the latest available information:
- Net Worth in INR: ₹13 crore
- Net Worth in PAK: PKR 43.4 crore
- Net Worth in USD: $15.5 lakh
Setbacks and Triumphant Comeback
- Despite facing challenges and losing spots in Test and ODI teams, Khawaja staged a remarkable comeback in 2022. Filling in for an ill Travis Head, he not only scored back-to-back centuries but also earned the Player of the Series title in Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan.
Personal Life
Married to Rachel McLellan, Usman Khawaja balances his cricketing pursuits with family life.
- Wife Region Islam
Legacy and Impact
Usman Khawaja’s career is defined by resilience, adaptability, and a consistent display of skill. His journey reflects a unique intersection of cultural influences and a commitment to excellence on the cricket field.
Records of Usman Khawaja
Trailblazer for New South Wales: Usman Khawaja created history by becoming the first New South Wales batsman to achieve the feat of scoring consecutive double centuries for NSW Second XI, showcasing his prolific batting prowess.
Impressive First-Class Debut: In 2008, Khawaja made a resounding entry into First-Class cricket, amassing a special 85 runs in his debut for New South Wales, signifying the commencement of a remarkable cricketing journey.
Distinguished International Career: Khawaja’s global impact is further underscored by his pivotal role as the seventh non-Australian cricketer to don the prestigious Australian cricket team’s jersey, a testament to his skill and invaluable contribution to the sport at the highest level on the international stage.
BBL05 Heroics: Usman Khawaja’s brilliance extended to the T20 format, where he left an indelible mark in the Big Bash League’s fifth edition (BBL05). He emerged as the second-highest run-scorer, amassing a formidable tally of 345 runs, showcasing his adaptability across various formats of the game.
Batting Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 68 | 121 | 11 | 5177 | 195* | 48.82 | — | 15 | 25 | 563 | 25 | 50 |
| ODIs | 40 | 39 | 2 | 1554 | 104 | — | 84.09 | 2 | 12 | 150 | 13 | 13 |
| T20Is | 9 | 9 | 0 | 241 | 58 | — | 132.41 | 0 | 1 | 31 | 5 | 5 |
| FC | 198 | 341 | 32 | 13871 | 214 | 50.33 | — | 41 | 67 | 1660 | 78 | 150 |
| List A | 130 | 127 | 8 | 5319 | 166 | — | 84.98 | 14 | 30 | 540 | 62 | 46 |
| T20s | 116 | 115 | 8 | 3255 | 109* | — | 130.25 | 3 | 16 | 398 | 50 | 28 |
Bowling Stats
| FORMAT | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 68 | 3 | 18 | 8 | 0 | – | – | – | 2.66 | – | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 40 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| T20Is | 9 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| FC | 198 | 15 | 174 | 111 | 1 | 1/21 | 1/21 | 111.00 | 3.82 | 174.0 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 130 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| T20s | 116 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
