“Look at this face, it’s still fresh” - Usman Khawaja cheekily responds to query on Test future ahead of 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test

Australia opener Usman Khawaja cheekily responded to a query about his future ahead of the third Test against India in Brisbane. With the left-handed batter now 37 years old, questions about his future have begun to crop up.

Khawaja will turn 38 on December 18, when the fifth day of the third Test is scheduled. Despite being the oldest member of the side, the veteran has been one of the most consistent run-getters in the last two years, regardless of the conditions.

When asked by the reporter whether Khawaja was playing his last home season, he jokingly responded, as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald:

"Shit, you’ve come out hard, haven’t you? Why didn’t anyone ask me this 10 years ago? Oh, so you’re being ageist! I’m just enjoying it. Look at this face. It’s still fresh."

The Islamabad-born batter said he sees no reason why he can't play another summer if all goes well this season.

"If everything is going well there is no reason why I would not want to play another summer in Australia. My body is good, my mind is good, and I am still hitting the ball well," he added.

The southpaw has struggled in the first two Tests of the five-match series, with a top score of 13. With Australia's opening partnership yet to lay a formidable foundation, the onus is now largely on Khawaja to step up in Brisbane.

"He loves batting at the Gabba" - Pat Cummins on Usman Khawaja

Pat Cummins. (Image Credits: Getty)

Australia captain Pat Cummins has placed faith in Usman Khawaja, backing him to come good at a venue he knows quite well. Cummins stated ahead of the Gabba Test:

"He’s looking fantastic in the nets. I thought last week he looked really sharp. Like most of the guys, he’d be wanting to score a few more runs. He had a good lead-in to this series. He loves batting at the Gabba and knows it really well."

Australia bounced back well in Adelaide to level the series after conceding a series lead in Perth. The two sides will resume their rivalry on Saturday, December 14.