The moment Usman Khawaja stopped fearing for his place in Australia’s Test side doubled as the catalyst for a golden run.
Khawaja, whose knock of 140 in Wellington came after Australia were in immense trouble at 2-5, was reluctant to nominate a single factor when asked about his recent form.
However, the classy left-hander noted confidence was key on Saturday.
Khawaja didn’t criticise former coach Mickey Arthur and captain Michael Clarke, who famously punished him in India three years ago for not submitting ‘homework’.
But the 29-year-old made it clear just how relaxed the group is compared to his previous ill-fated stints in the national side.
“It’s just been a really relaxed atmosphere. It’s what you want when you’re playing at the highest level,” Khawaja said.
“Because there’s enough pressure.
“I don’t put too much pressure on myself … I have fun.
“I had fun even before, when I played Test cricket (but) I obviously didn’t set the world on fire.”
Khawaja’s first nine Tests were spread out over five series, he averaged 25 and was often waiting for the axe to fall.
Since being recalled for the opening Test of 2015-16, Khawaja has posted four tons and averaged 128.80 from five games.
It started with a career-best 174 in adopted home Brisbane.
“I always thought I was good enough to play Test cricket,” Khawaja said.
“But it probably wasn’t until I got that first Test century that I was like ‘yeah, there you go’.
“I needed to know I was good enough.
“That sort of relieved the pressure a little bit.”
However, even before walking out to the Gabba he felt confident about his place in the XI thanks to coach Darren Lehmann.
“Boof sort of had a chat to me and just told me to relax,” Khawaja said.
“He said I’d get a fair crack at it. So that kind of helped.
“I always felt when I first played for Australia that I was sort of playing for my spot a little bit.
“I never really felt like I was in the team, felt like I was sort of looking over my shoulder.”
Khawaja added Australia’s recent form has also helped in that regard.
“It helps that we’ve played some pretty decent cricket since I’ve come back, we’ve won a lot of games,” he said.
“I can’t put my finger on one thing. At the moment I’m very happy with the way I’m playing.”
Build your own fantasy cricket team and put it to the test with Draftstars daily fantasy competitions. Pick your match, pick your team and watch the points roll in to take out cash prizes on each match. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit.
Check out some of the short-arm pull shots from Rocky Flintoff!
Harshal Patel was not a happy man!
David Lord has been remembered as an icon of Australian sports journalism following his death, aged 84. The renowned writer and broadcaster was an…
Sign the man up for a contract next season!
RCB have suffered a massive HEAD-ACHE after Travis Head smashed the fastest century by an SRH player in just 39 balls, as they amassed…
A brutal century by Travis Head has blasted Sunrisers Hyderabad back into the Indian Premier League play-off places in another match for bowlers to…
