[Watch] “Usman Khawaja for PM” - Funny moment as Australian opener shares frank views on connection between sport and politics

Australia opener Usman Khawaja recently gave his take on the 'politics in sports' debate while speaking to ABC Sport on Thursday, January 2. According to the southpaw, sport and politics have always mixed with each other. Khawaja did not shy away from talking about a topic which is often deemed to be controversial.

The 38-year-old went on to enumerate the number of politicians he has met via his profession as a cricketer. Khawaja also referred to the tradition of the Australian cricket team visiting their Prime Minister's secondary residence - Kiribilli House - either on Christmas or New Year's Day every year. The touring side is also invited.

"Sport and politics have always mixed. People who can't see it don't understand it. A lot of times sportsmen would never speak up about politics, and they still don't," said Khawaja in the video shared by @abcsport on X.

"Khawaja for PM," said someone in the background as the video ended.

You can watch the video here:

Usman Khawaja is going through a lean patch of form

Khawaja, who is known to be a prolific scorer at the top of the order for Australia in Test cricket, has had an unusually lean patch in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home against India.

In the eight innings he has played so far, Khawaja has scores of 8, 4, 13, 9*, 21, 8, 57, and 21. This could be a worrying sign for the hosts going into the final Test of the series in Sydney, starting on Friday, January 3.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has also spoken about how the Sydney Test could be the right farewell for Khawaja, given that the latter is not getting any younger and could make way for someone else.

Australia currently lead the series 2-1 and are in no danger of losing the series. India, however, need to win the final Test to level the series and retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.