Khawaja elated with first Test century
Australia batsman Usman Khawaja said he just felt elation and a huge amount of emotional relief after he scored his first Test century against New Zealand at the Gabba on Thursday.
The Pakistan-born Khawaja was unbeaten on 102 at stumps on the first day as the Aussies racked up 389 for two against the Black Caps.
Playing in his first Test in more than two years, the 28 year-old had played nine Tests since making his debut in 2011, Khawaja previously scored two fifties with a highest-score of 65.
Explaining the moment when he reached his ton, Khawaja said: "It was just elation, the biggest amount of emotional relief. I've wanted to get a Test hundred for Australia my whole life.
"There were times over the last three or four years I thought it might not happen. When it did happen the build-up of a lot of emotions came out because it's what I always dreamt about.
"The first one is always the hardest, I've said, so it's massive for me. I scored my first first-class century here and now my first Test century.
"I'm just really excited about the day we've had as a team, that's as good a day as you get. We've got a lot of hard work coming up but I'm very excited at the moment. And I like to live in the now, so I'm just enjoying this at the moment."
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.