As the countdown to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 intensifies, Usman Khawaja has laughed off David Warner’s suggestion that he retire for the high-stakes five-match Test series against India in Perth on November 22.
After Cameron Greene was ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 and Steve Smith’s return to No.4 left Usman Khawaja without an opening partner, the ever-cheerful David Warner declared himself ready to open the batting again. Notably, Warner left all formats of the game earlier this year, forcing Australia to bat with Nathan McSweeney.
Usman Khawaja scoffs at David Warner’s retirement claim ahead of Border-Gavaskar 2024-25.
However, Australia failed to wrap up the opening batsman then, but now it has been confirmed that Nathan McSweeney will open the innings along with Khawaja. Notably, David Warner’s blunt comment during the ODI series against Pakistan turned heads, but Khawaja dismissed it with a smile.
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He described former opening partner and close friend David Warner’s speech as a “joyous” and dramatic move. Khawaja couldn’t help but poke fun at Warner, saying the former Australian batting icon knows exactly how to make headlines, even if it’s all in good humour.
He knows how to create drama: Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja was quoted by Wide World of Sports as saying, “Oh great Davey is funny. He just dropped the fishing line there. He knows how to create drama. No doubt he probably still could have done it, but he’s gone; had a great finish last year, had a great retirement. I love Davey… He’s still rocking the boat. This is Davey; that’s why i love him. He likes to incite people.”
However, the experienced batsman believes that David Warner can get his retirement back even if he gets a last-minute call from the Australian selectors for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Khawaja stressed that Warner is playing T20 cricket and is currently spending time with his family.
Khawaja further explained, “If there had been an SOS, I’m sure Davey would have said, ‘Well, if you really need me…’ I think he’s quite happy playing T20 and spending time with his family and he’s in a good place.”
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Beware the wounded dog: Usman Khawaja warns Australia
Speaking about India, who enter the Test series after losing 0-3 at home to New Zealand, the Australian all-rounder remarked: “They are a very good side. I still look at their team and think, ‘They’ve got great batsmen, they’ve got great bowlers, they’ve got great spinners.’ They are a complete team like us.”
He said, “Yes, they might have lost three games, but different circumstances; they will come out here; they will starve; this is Test cricket. To be honest, I always think it will be a difficult series. They are always our toughest series. Beware of a wounded dog.”
