‘Calm and composed’ Pak-born Oz bat Usman destined for big stage success, says father
By ANISaturday, June 26, 2010
SYDNEY - New South Wales left-hander Usman Khawaja’s father has said that the 23-year-old’s calm and composed nature would help him succeed at the international stage.
Usman has been named in the Australian Test team to face Pakistan in two Tests in England, making him the first Muslim player to represent Australia.
“In all my life, since he was six years old, I’ve never seen him throw a bat in anger after being dismissed. He will sit in the dressing room, but he will quietly pack away his gear. If he is angry he will sit there for a longer period of time, thinking about why he got out and what he needs to do next time,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Tariq, as saying.
“He knows exactly what he needs to do, he already knows what advice I’m going to give him. With Usie, I find the bigger the stage, the better he performs. This is what I have seen. He takes the challenge, he accepts it, and lifts himself to meet the challenge. He is very disciplined,” he added.
Tariq further said that Usman, along with his childhood friend and NSW team-mate David Warner have been passionate about cricket since the age of four.
“I sensed back then that these two kids had something special, you could see it in the way they dived, caught balls, hit balls, their stamina - they could play all day,” he said.
The Pakistani origin Australian citizen was born in Islamabad, and came to Australia aged four.
He was named after a spot was opened up by a shoulder injury to Phil Hughes.
Australian Squad: Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Usman Khawaja, Marcus North, Steven Smith. (ANI)
