Khawaja worked his ‘backside off’ for epic Test century

Usman Khawaja believes his epic century to guide Australia to an heroic draw in the first Test against Pakistan in Dubai is proof that he works just as hard to improve his game as anyone else.
Khawaja batted for 524 minutes, the second-longest fourth innings in the history of all Tests, hitting 141 off 302 balls as Australia batted out 140 overs to end on 352/8 and deny Pakistan victory.
It was a significant Test for Khawaja, who also scored 85 in the first innings, as his previous highest score in a Test in Asia was 30 and he had weakness against spin bowling on slow pitches.
The left-hander has also had to fend off suggestions that he is not a hardworker in training to go with the natural talent that he possesses.
ALSO READ: Paine: It doesn’t feel like a win
After his heriocs in Dubai, Khawaja told reporters: “A lot of work goes into playing cricket at the highest level, I’ve worked as hard as anyone, I’ve worked my backside off for the last 10 years of first-class cricket, day in, day out.
“People think because of my relaxed nature that’s not the case, that I’ve been gifted to be able to get to where I am, but it’s not the case at all.
“I’ve worked my absolute backside off for the last 10 years and really worked as hard as I can in different conditions like this and in England and other places.
That sort of stuff goes … people overlook that sort of stuff and you don’t get to play at the highest level without putting in the hard yards. There’s no secret to success, it’s all about hard work.
“I’m just grateful to be out there playing for Australia and getting a hundred for Australia really.”
Now the most senior batsman in the Australia Test team due to the suspensions of David Warner and Steve Smith, Khawaja hopes the tourists can take momentum with them into the second and final Test of the series that starts in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
He continued: “To just bat that long of a period in Asia let alone… it’s a bit different than at the Gabba, it’s probably a nicer wicket on day five than out there.
“It’s a lot of credit to a lot of the guys, shows a lot of guts, shows a lot of courage to do something like that. Hopefully we can take that into the next game.”
Latest
-
News
Charlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
News
Joe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News
7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
News
Pundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
News
India v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
England slump to two-day Test defeat against India in Ahmedabad
Spinner Axar Patel took five for 32 to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets.
-
News
England on course for defeat inside two days after collapse against spin
England were bowled out for 81.
-
News
Warwickshire bolster batting with signing of Pieter Malan
Paul Frabrace hopes Pieter Malan will help mentor Warwickshire’s young batsmen.
-
News
How Joe Root’s five-for-eight compares to England’s best Test bowling figures
The part-time off-spinner ripped through India’s tail in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Joe Root develops a golden arm to fire England back into third Test contention
Captain takes five Indian wickets in dramatic fashion.