I want to impart as much knowledge as I can and guide Sam Konstas: Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja is ready to take on a dual responsibility in the Australian Test side as he will not only look to score runs at the top of the order but also guide the young and talented opening batter Sam Konstas along the way. 

The 38-year-old Khawaja is set to open the innings with the 19-year-old Konstas in the first Test in a three-match series against the West Indies. The much-awaited clash gets underway on Wednesday, June 25, at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“It’s an added role. To help Sammy along through his journey, trying to impart as much knowledge as I can. I won’t be around forever. But it’s very important that I can do whatever I can, obviously first and foremost, have a solid partnership between us, but then a bit of stability at the top, but also guide him through this journey," Khawaja told reporters ahead of the match starting on Wednesday.

When asked about partnering with Konstas again, Khawaja said, “I knew when and where he was going to drop and run a quick single, and I was ready for it."

Khawaja was excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the young batter's development as a cricketer, especially with the high-voltage Ashes coming up later in the year.

“He’s still very young, he’s a 19-year-old boy, and it’s quite exciting. There’s obviously this series and then a big Ashes coming up."

I understand I’m 38 years old. People will be looking for an excuse: Khawaja

Khawaja had a disappointing outing in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. He registered scores of 0 and 6 and was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada on both occasions. A section of the cricket fraternity has begun expressing their doubts over Khawaja's ability to play seam bowling. However, the southpaw reminded that he has scored consistently in Shield Cricket and also finished as the highest run-getter for Australia in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle.

“I can’t understand how I can (have a problem against seam bowling) if I can score so many runs in Shield cricket or be the highest run-scorer for Australia in the WTC cycle," Khawaja said.

The Islamabad-born said that he gets out more often to seamers because he is an opening batter. He said that people look to make him the scapegoat because of his age.

“I open the batting for Australia. So I get out to seam more than I get out to anyone else … I understand I’m 38 years old. People will be looking for an excuse."