Cricket

Usman Khawaja, the Australian Test opener, will return to his familiar opening position for Queensland in the upcoming Sheffield Shield season. This move is part of a strategic shift by new Bulls coach Johan Botha to stabilize the team's middle order after a disappointing campaign last summer.Despite being the Test opener, Khawaja had batted at No. 4 in his last eight Shield games. However, Botha believes that having Khawaja open will provide stability to the Bulls' batting lineup, especially with the departure of Test players Marnus Labuschagne and Khawaja himself after the first three Shield rounds.Jack Clayton, who emerged as Queensland's leading run-scorer last season, is expected to settle at No. 4, benefiting from the stability provided by Khawaja's move to the top of the order. Botha praised Khawaja for his willingness to adjust his position for the team's benefit.On the bowling front, Michael Neser is expected to be available for the start of the season after recovering from a calf injury. His return is a boost for the Bulls, who have been concerned about their fast bowling depth ahead of the India series.However, Xavier Bartlett is expected to miss at least the first month of the season due to a side strain. This injury adds to Australia's fast bowling woes, with Scott Boland managing a knee complaint and Lance Morris returning slowly from a stress fracture.Despite these injury concerns, Botha is confident in the Bulls' ability to perform well this season. He believes that the stability provided by Khawaja's move to the top of the order and the return of Neser will be key factors in their success.

Australia's star opener Usman Khawaja has expressed his admiration for legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, praising his strategic approach and cricketing intelligence. As the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia approaches, Khawaja acknowledged Ashwin's formidable record against the Aussies.Ashwin has been a thorn in Australia's side, claiming 114 wickets in 22 Tests and 42 innings against them. His economy rate of 2.70 is a testament to his ability to control the flow of runs. On Australian soil, Ashwin has taken 39 wickets in 10 Tests, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 2.93.Khawaja believes that Ashwin's success stems from his ability to stay ahead of the game. "He is very strategic, he always has a plan," Khawaja said. "He always tries to figure it out. He is trying to get ahead of the game, one step ahead of the game, which I respect. I respect his cricketing brain."Ashwin's debut in 2011 marked the beginning of a remarkable Test career. In 100 matches and 189 innings, he has captured 516 wickets at an economy rate of 2.81. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and deceive batsmen with his variations has made him one of the most successful bowlers in the world.The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a thrilling contest, with India seeking to extend its dominance over Australia. The series will begin on November 22 in Perth, with the second Test scheduled for Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series will conclude with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.

Australia's upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash against India has sparked anticipation, with Aussie opener Usman Khawaja heaping praise on legendary Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Khawaja lauded Ashwin's strategic brilliance and cricketing acumen, acknowledging his ability to stay a step ahead of the game.Ashwin's impressive record against Australia stands as a testament to his prowess. In 22 Test matches, he has claimed 114 wickets at an exceptional economy rate of 2.70. His 39 wickets on Australian soil further highlight his dominance.Khawaja's admiration for Ashwin stems from the spinner's ability to anticipate the batsman's moves and set cunning traps. "He is very strategic, he always has a plan," Khawaja remarked. "He always tries to figure it out. He is trying to get ahead of the game, one step ahead of the game, which I respect."The upcoming Border-Gavaskar series promises to be a thrilling contest, with India holding a slight edge over Australia in recent encounters. India has won its last four series against Australia, including two victories Down Under. This has shifted the balance of power in the rivalry, with India now boasting 10 series wins to Australia's five.The series will commence on November 22 with the first Test in Perth. The second Test, scheduled for December 6-10 at Adelaide Oval, will feature the exciting day-night format. The third Test will take place at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14-18, followed by the customary Boxing Day Test at Melbourne's storied Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26-30. The series will culminate with the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has sparked a debate over Steve Smith's batting position in the Test team ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. Smith has been promoted to the top of the order following David Warner's retirement, but his performance as an opener has been inconsistent.Khawaja believes that Smith should return to his previous position at No. 4, arguing that it is his "best spot" and that it provides the best balance for the team. He pointed out that Australia's scores have declined since the lineup change, with the team surpassing 300 runs only once in the eight innings following Warner's retirement."I feel like the best balance for our team is (Marnus) Labuschagne three, Smith four," Khawaja said. "I feel like that's his best spot."Smith's individual performance as an opener has also been underwhelming, with just one fifty in eight innings and an average of 28.50, compared to his impressive average of 61.51 at No. 4.Khawaja's comments have reignited the debate over Smith's ideal batting position. Some experts believe that he is best suited to the top of the order, where he can set the tone for the innings and take advantage of the new ball. Others argue that his experience and technique make him more valuable in the middle order, where he can anchor the innings and guide the younger players.The Border-Gavaskar series between India and Australia will begin on November 22, with the first Test at Perth. The second Test will feature the exciting day-night format under the lights at Adelaide Oval, while the third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane. The customary Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and the fifth and final Test will serve as the series climax at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australian Cricketers Face Hilarious Lie Detector Test, Revealing Personal SecretsAustralian cricketers Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, and Josh Hazlewood recently participated in a hilarious lie detector test on the 'Fletch and Hindy' show on the Fox Network. The test, which has gone viral on social media, featured a series of funny and personal questions that left the players in stitches.One of the most memorable moments came when Khawaja was asked if he had ever watched porn through virtual reality (VR). Despite answering "no," he received an electric shock, indicating a lie. The incident sent the room into a fit of laughter.Another question that raised eyebrows was directed at Cummins, who was asked if he had ever watched adult materials in VR goggles and lied about it. The pace-bowling all-rounder admitted to doing so, much to the amusement of his teammates.The test also revealed some interesting tidbits about Glenn Maxwell, who missed Australia's Cricket World Cup match against England due to a freak golf cart accident. Khawaja, who witnessed the incident, confirmed that Maxwell had indeed fallen off the cart, but he received an electric shock when he denied that it was a cover-up.Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh disclosed that Maxwell had traveled to Turkey to get a new set of teeth.The lie detector test provided a glimpse into the personal lives of the Australian cricketers, showcasing their sense of humor and camaraderie. The videos have garnered widespread attention on social media, highlighting the lighter side of the sport.

Australia's Test stalwart Usman Khawaja has expressed his disappointment over Afghanistan's inability to play in Australia, despite Afghanistan's historic 2024 T20 World Cup victory over his team.Earlier this year, Cricket Australia (CA) canceled a bilateral series against Afghanistan due to the country's "marked deterioration" in the treatment of women and children under the Taliban regime. The decision left the Afghanistan cricketers perplexed, but Khawaja hailed them as an inspiration.In response to a tweet by Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan celebrating their 21-run win over Australia, Khawaja tweeted: "Well done Brother. Better team on the day. You boys are an inspiration for so many back home and abroad. So sad we can't see you all play in Australia."CA had canceled a planned bilateral series against Afghanistan in 2023 and 2024 due to the Taliban's restrictions on women's education and access to public spaces.In the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan needed a win to stay alive and posted a total of 148. Australia's opening pair failed to deliver, and despite Glenn Maxwell's efforts, Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib emerged as the hero with four wickets.Afghanistan bundled out Australia for 127, securing their first T20 World Cup victory over the Aussies. If Afghanistan defeats Bangladesh in their final Super 8 clash and Australia loses to India, Afghanistan will advance to the semifinals.Khawaja's comments highlight the complex relationship between sports and politics. While CA's decision was based on human rights concerns, it has deprived Australian fans of the opportunity to witness the rise of Afghanistan's talented cricket team.

Usman Khawaja, the veteran Australian opener, has expressed his desire for the team to give David Warner a fitting farewell by winning the T20 World Cup. Warner, who is set to retire from international cricket after the tournament, has been in impressive form, and Khawaja believes he deserves a grand send-off."As a friend, I'd love to see him (Warner) finish on a high," Khawaja said. "He's been playing some really good cricket. It's been really nice to see. You can tell he's just enjoying being out there. He's playing pretty relaxed. So he should. Yeah, it would be good to see."Despite Australia's shock defeat to Afghanistan, Khawaja remains confident in the team's ability to win the T20 World Cup for the second time since 2021. He believes that Australia has the potential to lift their game in the knockout stages."I think we've shown over the years that we're a great knockout team," Khawaja said. "As soon as there's a knockout situation, more times than not we've won, but we've just got to get there."Khawaja also praised Mitchell Marsh's leadership skills, saying that his captaincy is a reflection of his personality. "I think his captaincy is just him. It's him as a person. He doesn't try to be anything that he's not. He's relaxed. He goes out and plays the game, takes the game on, leads from the front, leads by his actions. So, I've really enjoyed watching his captaincy."While acknowledging India's strength, Khawaja believes that any team can beat anyone in T20 cricket. "I mean, India's always a threat. They have batters left, right and centre. They have great bowlers. They have excellent spinners. They have literally all bases covered. They always have," he said. "So I think on any day, any team can beat anyone, particularly in T20 cricket."Looking ahead to Australia's upcoming series against India and the home Ashes in 2025, Khawaja termed both as pinnacle of cricketing contests. "It's always tough to beat India in India. But in the last couple of series, India has beaten Australia in Australia, which is never nice for an Australian. So, yeah, we've got a lot to play for. It's a big series. To me, England and India are the two biggest series."Khawaja concluded by reflecting on the enduring popularity of Test cricket in Australia and the new golden ticket initiative taken by Cricket Australia. "The baggy green is still the pinnacle of Australian cricket. I think we're very lucky in Australia. I still think we get paid really well to play Test cricket. It's not the same across the world. So, it's a little bit different for us. We don't have to try as hard. Because we have a long-standing tradition. And kids that grow up these days still want to get a baggy green."

Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has expressed confidence that Glenn Maxwell's disappointing 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign will not affect his performance in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Maxwell, who played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), had a tough season, scoring only 52 runs in nine innings at an average of 5.78 and a strike rate of 120.93.Despite his poor IPL form, Maxwell played a significant role in Australia's recent 2023 ODI World Cup triumph. The Australian team and fans are hopeful that he will replicate his success in the T20 World Cup, a format he excels in.Khawaja, speaking to the West Australian, dismissed concerns about Maxwell's IPL form, emphasizing his proven track record and resilience. "The IPL form is absolutely irrelevant. Maxy’s proven himself time and time again. Any player who’s performed over a long period of time understands that you can’t perform well every time you go out there," Khawaja said.Khawaja highlighted the challenges of T20 cricket, especially for middle-order batsmen who often have to take risks. He believes Maxwell is just one good innings away from returning to his best form. "But (for this tournament) if he gets one good innings, he’s away. It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past. He’s not going to change his game and nor should he. Just keep going. He’ll find it," the veteran opener added.While Maxwell's batting impact for RCB was minimal, he did contribute with the ball, taking six wickets in 10 matches at an average of 21.50 and an economy of 8.06. He bowled a crucial spell of 1-25 in RCB's must-win encounter against Chennai Super Kings, helping secure a playoff spot.Maxwell's ability to adapt and perform on slow Caribbean surfaces will be vital for Australia in the T20 World Cup. His experience and versatility as an all-rounder could provide the edge Australia needs in the tournament.