We have got world class players in our team: Usman Khawaja

Australian opening batsman Usman Khawaja is currently in the form of his life. The southpaw plundered a 25 ball 33 in the third T20I against South Africa at the Newlands, Cape Town. However, it was quite clear that the Aussies hadn’t fielded their best XI. The absence of Aaron Finch, in particular, raised a few eyebrows.

Khawaja, who came into the side at the expense of the former Aussie skipper, has conceded that a place for him in the starting lineup will be difficult for him to nail down. Vice-captain David Warner, Shane Watson and Aaron Finch.

“We’ve got world-class players in our team,” Khawaja said after the third match in Cape Town. “Finchy didn’t play today and he’s one of the best T20 players in the world, so we’ve got a lot of batting depth and strength.

“Finchy was there before I was, when I came into the team he was T20 captain. He’s been there and done it, I was the player coming in. I sort of expect him to come back into the team. Then Watto’s been such a great player for Australia, in particular with the white ball. His white-ball form lately has been great. He offers a lot with the ball too.”

Despite the rugged competition for places in the side, Khawaja maintains that it is simply an on-field rivalry while they remain the best of mates off-field.

“The dynamics are pretty simple. We’re pretty good mates off the field. I’ve known Finchy since I was a kid, we’ve been playing cricket together since we were kids, we’re the same age. Obviously I play with Watto at the Thunder so it’s a good relationship.”

“First and foremost we won the series,” Khawaja said. “We wanted to go into the World Cup on a winning note. It’s always a little bit tougher when you haven’t. The fact that we won is a big bonus. I think everyone just about in the squad has contributed somewhat in the last three games, which is nice.”

The Australians begin their World Cup campaign against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand at Dharamsala on the 18^th. However, their more immediate engagement will be a warm-up match against the West Indies at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.