Australian captain Steve Smith has come out strongly in defence of long-time teammate Usman Khawaja, describing the criticism aimed at the veteran batter during the Ashes series and throughout his Test career as unfair. Khawaja confirmed on Friday morning that the upcoming Sydney Test would be his final appearance in international cricket, bringing the curtains down at the same ground where he debuted as a teenager. Meanwhile, Khawaja on Friday also addressed deeper issues, stating that he had faced racial stereotypes along the way. Recently, Khawaja came under fire before the opening Ashes Test after suffering back spasms in Perth, with some commentators questioning his preparation and commitment to the game.
"I'm not going into the mind of Usman Khawaja. He's had a great career. In terms of preparation, I think he's always prepared the same way. He's worked hard," Steve Smith said at the press conference.
"I think some of the stuff around him getting injured when he played golf the day before the game, that was unfair. He's done that for 15 years and had a pretty good career. So, on an odd occasion when he prepared the same way and he got injured, it's pretty unfair to single that out," Smith said.
"To the rest of it, I can't really say too much on that – that's Usman's views."
Over a career that spanned more than a decade, Khawaja played a pivotal role for Australia at the top of the order. The veteran batter will play his 88th Test match as Australia take on England in the fifth and final Ashes Test on Sunday. Touching upon Khawaja's career, Smith lauded Khawaja's outstanding progression over the years.
"He's had a wonderful career. I think back to 15 years ago; I played in his first Test match here. (It's a) shame he's gone; now I'm the oldest one here. He came on the scene, we knew he was such a talent from a young age. I remember playing against him in a couple of U17 vs U19 games for New South Wales. His progression over a long period of time has been outstanding."
"He hates it, but we dropped him and I was captain at that stage. We dropped him in the subcontinent, we didn't think he was playing the spinners as well as he does now. He hates us for it, but he got that opportunity to go back and figure out ways to play."
"Whether he would have done that if he kept playing, I'm not sure. He's arguably one of our best players of spin now, so maybe a blessing in disguise. The way he's been able to play over his 15-year career, 88 Test matches, it's a credit to him and not many people get to go out on their own terms. So he should be pretty pleased."