While reading Dawn , I read a good news that Usman Khawaja who is Pakistani born became the first Muslim named in an Australian Test squad Tuesday as selectors announced a 14-strong party for the two-match series.
Usman Khawaja is 23 and Left-handed, He was awarded player of the Australian Under 19 Championship in 2005 and also played for Australia in the 2006 U-19 Cricket World Cup in Sri Lanka as an opening batsman. His club side is Randwick-Petersham.
“I was a bit shocked, I had a feeling I was close but that could mean absolutely nothing,” Usman said. “The feeling didn’t really sink in straight away but I’ve told my family and they’re really excited.”
Usman Khawaja is Islamabad-born and now he get a chance to become the first Muslim player to wear Australia’s famed Baggy Green cap as a full Test player, and just months before the much-anticipated Ashes series against England.
This means that there is no harassment in Australian cricket board, and they prefer game over religion, I think Pakistan Cricket board should learn some lesson from them.
Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Khawaja had earned his place after strong performances for his domestic side New South Wales, scoring 698 runs including three centuries last season.
“Usman Khawaja has been selected on the back of some very strong Sheffield Shield performances,” Hilditch said.
“He is seen… as being capable of batting anywhere in the order in Test cricket, but importantly for this particular series a top-order batsman who could bat in the top four should the opportunity arise.”
Australia will play two Tests against Pakistan at Lord’s (July 13-17) and Headingley (July 21-25). —Agencies
Squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke (vice-captain), Doug Bollinger, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Ben Hilfenhaus, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Usman Khawaja, Marcus North, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.
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hope they check his bag for explosives before he enters the ground