Tilloo
MPA (400+ posts)
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
SYDNEY: Batsman Usman Khawaja became the first Muslim named in an Australian Test squad on Tuesday as selectors announced a 14-strong party for the two-match series against Pakistan, the country of his birth.
Left-handed Khawaja, 23, admitted feeling “shocked” after being brought in for the July Tests in England, which were moved from Pakistan over security concerns following last year’s extremist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus.
“I was a bit shocked, I had a feeling I was close but that could mean absolutely nothing,” said the Sydney resident, a qualified pilot who made his first-class debut for New South Wales in February 2008.
“The feeling didn’t really sink in straight away but I’ve told my family and they’re really excited.”
Islamabad-born Khawaja now has the chance to become the first Muslim player to wear Australia’s famed Baggy Green cap as a full Test player — just months before the much-anticipated Ashes series against England.
Khawaja, who has never even met national captain Ricky Ponting, said being the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia “doesn’t cross my mind until someone brings it up”.
“I am around the boys all the time and I never once ever feel like I am different,” said the batsman, who came to Sydney as a young child and grew up with posters of Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne on his bedroom walls.
“When I was a kid I dreamed of going on tour but I am not looking too far ahead — if I just carry the drinks the whole time, it doesn’t really bother me. It’s just exciting to be around Punter (Ponting) — I have never met him.”
Khawaja said his father Tariq had always encouraged his cricket and was delighted with his call-up.
“I woke him up this morning and told him I was in the squad — he was really happy,” the youngster said.
Asked whether his extended family would be supporting Pakistan or Australia, he replied: “Hopefully me.”
SYDNEY: Batsman Usman Khawaja became the first Muslim named in an Australian Test squad on Tuesday as selectors announced a 14-strong party for the two-match series against Pakistan, the country of his birth.
Left-handed Khawaja, 23, admitted feeling “shocked” after being brought in for the July Tests in England, which were moved from Pakistan over security concerns following last year’s extremist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus.
“I was a bit shocked, I had a feeling I was close but that could mean absolutely nothing,” said the Sydney resident, a qualified pilot who made his first-class debut for New South Wales in February 2008.
“The feeling didn’t really sink in straight away but I’ve told my family and they’re really excited.”
Islamabad-born Khawaja now has the chance to become the first Muslim player to wear Australia’s famed Baggy Green cap as a full Test player — just months before the much-anticipated Ashes series against England.
Khawaja, who has never even met national captain Ricky Ponting, said being the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia “doesn’t cross my mind until someone brings it up”.
“I am around the boys all the time and I never once ever feel like I am different,” said the batsman, who came to Sydney as a young child and grew up with posters of Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne on his bedroom walls.
“When I was a kid I dreamed of going on tour but I am not looking too far ahead — if I just carry the drinks the whole time, it doesn’t really bother me. It’s just exciting to be around Punter (Ponting) — I have never met him.”
Khawaja said his father Tariq had always encouraged his cricket and was delighted with his call-up.
“I woke him up this morning and told him I was in the squad — he was really happy,” the youngster said.
Asked whether his extended family would be supporting Pakistan or Australia, he replied: “Hopefully me.”
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