Khawaja on track for Boxing Day return

Australia

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja has admitted that being injured just two games into his Test comeback was a 'pain in the backside' but the anniversary of Phillip Hughes' death has put everything into perspective.

The 28 year-old Khawaja made a return to the Test side in the recent series against New Zealand, scoring consecutive centuries in the first two Tests before being struck down by a hamstring injury which saw him miss the final Test in Adelaide.

Khawaja says the injury was disappointing but he has come back from worse before when he was out for nearly eight months due to a knee injury.

The left-hander is on track to play in the iconic Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, against the West Indies, but feels he will not be an automatic choice in the starting team when he is fit.

Khawaja said: "It's not a fun road. It's a bit of a pain in the backside. I was just disappointed. I was having a lot of fun playing Test cricket.

"(But) it is nowhere near as bad as my knee and obviously everything that happened last week, it being one year since Hughesy's anniversary too, it also puts it in perspective.

"It could be a lot worse so I'm grateful for where I am. I've been through a couple of bad things the last year or so. Hopefully it's all smooth sailing from here on.

"I haven't played a Boxing Day Test yet. So, I'd love to play. But it's three or four weeks away and a lot can happen between now and then.

"If they (selectors) want to pick me, they will pick me – I just have to put my hand up and make sure I am fit."

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