Australia’s left-handed batsman Usman Khawaja is hoping to make the most of his lucky break after opener David Warner was allowed to go on paternity leave.
In Warner’s absence, Khawaja is expected to play his first one-dayer in nearly three years as Steven Smith’s team take on India in the second ODI in Brisbane on Friday.
Khawaja has played only three ODIs in his career, the last of which was against the West Indies in February 2013. The 29-year-old has established himself as a regular member of the Test team since making his debut in 2011 and he is now looking to cement his place in the limited overs side.
“I am just happy to be selected for the ODIs. I am not sure whether I will be picked in the final XI but it is always nice to be there in the squad because this is like getting rewarded for good work,” he said.
“I haven’t been told anything on whether I will play or not. I am just using my common sense, since David is not there, I am expecting to play,” he added.
Asked if being ignored for the shorter format hurt him given his good returns in the Tests, Khawaja said that while he was disappointed, he has not let it get in the way of his performances.
“I was disappointed not to get in that first squad but I have been dropped enough and selected enough in my career to know that worrying about it, is not going to help. I was disappointed but I have moved on. Any chance you get to play for Australia is amazing,” he said.
“I want to play as many formats for Australia as possible. I am really happy with how the Test stuff has gone. There is a lot of one-day cricket coming up in the next year and I would love to be a part of it. Hopefully, I can contribute moving forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, rookie pacer Scott Boland, who made his debut against India in Perth and was thrashed for 74 runs in his 10 overs, has urged Australia’s selectors to give him another chance.
He was especially expensive in the death overs, going for 30 in two but Boland feels he can get it right.
“I only missed a couple (of yorkers) by not too far. But when you’re bowling to someone who’s on 150 (Rohit), they’re going to hit them for six. I hit a few (yorkers) where he only got a one or a dot. But the margin for error is tiny,” said the Victorian.
“I’d like that (death bowling) to be my role. I know it’s quite tough, and some days things are going to go against you. But when you do have the good days, they’re really rewarding.”
