Ashes 2021-22: Despite Century At SCG, Usman Khawaja May Not Play The Hobart Test, Feels Ricky Ponting

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting stated that the return of batter, Travis Head, might mean that Usman Khawaja will have to make way in the playing XI despite scoring a brilliant century in the fourth Test at the SCG.

Head was ruled out of the SCG Test after testing positive for covid-19. He was isolated and Khawaja took his place in the XI. The 35-year-old proceeded to smash a glorious century on his return to Tests after two years but it may not help him retain his place.

“It just happens, it’s a huge call to make. But you’ve got to go back to what your first picked team was because at the start of the series it was the strongest XI that Australia could put out. What it does do is just reaffirm in Usman’s own mind that he’s good enough for international level still and gives selectors the ammunition they need for future teams they’re picking,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.

“He’s been a bit misunderstood as a player and as a person” – Ricky Ponting

Khawaja has been known to be a person who speaks his mind and doesn’t hesitate to point out if something is going wrong. Ponting stated that this feature of his personality might have been held against him during his playing career.

“He’s been a bit misunderstood as a player and as a person throughout his career. That’s probably been something that a lot of people have held against him. But if you watch the way that he’s played today and look back at some of the other times in his career when things have been really difficult, more often than not he’s found a way to get the job done for himself and for his team,” Ponting further added.

Although he may not be in the fifth Test, Khawaja has done more than enough to warrant a place in the squad when Australia tours Pakistan later this year.

Also Read – Ashes 2021-22: Sam Billings Receives England Call-up Ahead Of The Fifth And Final Test In Hobart