Healy Criticizes Khawaja’s Absence from Sheffield Shield Match
Cricket commentator Ian Healy has voiced strong disapproval of Test opener Usman Khawaja’s decision to miss Queensland’s crucial Sheffield Shield game.
While Khawaja is expected to rejoin the Bulls for the Sheffield Shield final against South Australia next week, his unexplained absence from the preceding match has sparked considerable criticism.
The 38-year-old declared himself “unavailable” for the fixture, citing a hamstring complaint at the last minute. Instead, he attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne with his wife.
Healy Questions Khawaja’s Commitment
Healy, who serves as the deputy chair of Queensland Cricket, expressed his discontent with the situation and the experienced player’s approach.
“We must acknowledge Khawaja’s full dedication when he participates in a team and a game,” Healy stated on SEN radio.
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“Once he’s engaged in the environment, his commitment is evident. However, this selective participation, noticeable in recent years, has been a source of frustration for Queensland.”
Usman Khawaja and his wife Rachel at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne, while his Queensland teammates competed in Adelaide.
Ian Healy has criticized Usman Khawaja’s perceived “pick and choose mentality.”
“I deliberately avoided watching television to prevent seeing him at the F1 event,” Healy added.
Cricket Australia Under Pressure
“Cricket Australia should also face scrutiny regarding this matter. During discussions, they indicated a lack of awareness regarding Queensland’s reservations about his absence and expressed regret at not being informed sooner.”
“This was the final Sheffield Shield round before the final… My intention was for Cricket Australia to experience some pressure for allowing this situation to unfold.”
Queensland Cricket Confirms Khawaja’s Fitness
Meanwhile, Queensland Cricket’s chief, Joe Dawes, clarified that medical personnel had deemed Khawaja fit for selection.
Dawes asserted that Queensland’s medical team had confirmed Khawaja’s availability. “That aligns with my understanding from Cricket Australia staff as well. We have no knowledge of any hamstring issues,” Dawes, Queensland Cricket’s Head of Elite Cricket, informed reporters at Brisbane Airport.
“Based on our medical staff’s assessment, there was no medical impediment preventing him from playing the last match.”
“It is disappointing that he missed an opportunity to play for Queensland.”
Queensland will play South Australia in Adelaide in the upcoming Sheffield Shield final.
“We have a group of players here who are all eager to compete.”
“We are indeed disappointed by his absence from the game against South Australia.”
“That was his decision, and he has publicly communicated some of his reasoning.”
“We hope he decides to make himself available for next week, and we will make our team selection decisions on Friday.”
Khawaja Expected for Shield Final
Queensland is scheduled to return to Adelaide to compete against South Australia in the Shield final, commencing next Wednesday at Karen Rolton Oval.
Khawaja, who scored a century in his previous Queensland appearance, is anticipated to be a significant asset for the Bulls in their bid to defeat SA in the championship match, provided he participates.