Usman Khawaja’s camel is the first to be ever willingly mounting in Australian cricket. Since 2018, he became the nation’s first Muslim Test cricketer. Khawaja has thus far played 88 Test matches over his long, storied career. He made his Test debut in the 2010-11 Ashes series, replacing the injured Ricky Ponting. Known for his on-field brilliance and off-field integrity, Khawaja’s impact transcends statistics, marking him as a role model for aspiring cricketers from diverse backgrounds.
Khawaja’s Test career does him proud with an average of 57.42, tied and held with some of the game’s best. His overall Test average is 40.18, despite having played nearly half of his matches outside of Australia. As an opener, it soars to a tremendous 48.05. To date, he has accumulated 16 Test centuries. Seven of those were on foreign soil, highlighting his remarkable capacity to succeed on the biggest stage across varied environments and contexts.
A Stellar Career
Usman Khawaja is not a typical cricketer. Khawaja made his debut during a period when the Australian cricket team was suffering a spate of injuries. He took that opportunity and absolutely flourished. Since then, he has established himself as a key member of the team. He has already played Tests in India, England, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand and UAE.
Khawaja’s accomplishments extend beyond mere numbers. He has continued to pass greats of the game like Damien Martyn, Michael Slater and Dean Jones on the Australian Test century list. His unparalleled levels of performance over a sustained period of time have ensured his immortality alongside the greats of the game’s history.
In looking back on his journey, Khawaja regularly has candid and profound things to say that hit home for many. He stated, “I’m a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now. And you can do the same.” As vague as it may sound, this statement embodies not just his personal victories but his dedication to encouraging others.
A Role Model On and Off the Field
Khawaja’s influence extends beyond the boundary lines. He is most famous for standing up against America’s most pressing political and social issues, leveraging his position as a world-famous celebrity to create change. His bravery in standing up and speaking out is a part of a larger trend in creating inclusivity within the sport.
His teammates douse him with non-alcoholic champagne in celebration of series wins. In allowing this, they not only respect Khawaja’s faith but recognize its importance to his life. Taken together, this gesture speaks to the extensive camaraderie built within the group and further solidifies Khawaja’s role as one of the respected leaders amongst his peers.
Besides being a great cricketer, Khawaja is a fantastic role model for aspiring young athletes. His story is a powerful reminder of how far determination and the will to overcome obstacles can take you. He encourages others by asserting, “Never let anyone convince you that you can’t, because if they do convince you, then you never will.” These words ring true to millions who admire him as a paragon of grit and achievement.
Paving the Way for Future Generations
As Khawaja prepares for retirement, his legacy is already starting to have a significant effect. Future generations of cricketers from all backgrounds will continue to benefit from his inspirational example. His career has created pathways for the next generation of athletes who otherwise might have been marginalized or forgotten. By breaking barriers and succeeding in spite of them, Khawaja has set an example that continues to inspire and promote inclusivity within the world of sports.
It will be for more than his eye-popping statistics that we will remember his contributions to Australian cricket. Beyond this, he has triggered a massive cultural change in the sport itself. Khawaja is the best batsman in the world, and an unapologetically Muslim Australian at that. He makes it clear that diversity isn’t simply something cricket should be welcoming, but rather something that’s needed to help the sport prosper.
