'This season might be even more fluid than last' - Usman Khawaja opens up on Covid challenges affecting Australia's cricketing plans

Amidst these difficult times of the pandemic, cricket is being played all around with strict protocols and bio bubble environments. However, the uncertainties of the pandemic have affected the smooth conduct of many series. The Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has thus opened up on the challenges caused by Covid to the nation’s cricketing plans.

Usman Khawaja feels that this Australian summer will be more challenging due to the pandemic. Khawaja is all set to captain his state Queensland and also the BBL team Sydney Thunder. The BBL has a considerable window to work with as the competition is scheduled for December. Whereas on the other hand, the state programmes have been facing difficulties.

The Marsh Cup and WNCL matches which were scheduled to take place in the middle of September are likely to be postponed. There also remain doubts about the initial rounds of the Sheffield Shield which is set to commence on September 28. Khawaja however suggested that Queensland’s opening match against Tasmania could still go ahead as the two states have no major restrictions.

“It might be a bit easier if the Big Bash is in a bubble or international cricket is in a bubble where they can plan a bit further out, not sure if domestic cricket will be in a bubble this time. It might be if two teams can play then play, but if you can’t we’ll have to figure it out later in the season. This season might be even more fluid than last.” Khawaja stated as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

I try to bring some perspective: Usman Khawaja

Khawaja also spoke about staying in the bio-bubble and dealing with the strict protocols. He stated that he has adjusted well with cricket in the pandemic era and is trying to bring perspective to the whole scenario. The Australian batter also expressed his gratefulness for being able to play the game.

“I try to bring some perspective. We have to be grateful. We are allowed to play a game we love, yes it’s a bit tougher than normal but there’s a lot of people doing it tougher than us so from my point it’s business as usual. We’ve just got to do little things that will suck this year like they did last year but we are very privileged to be playing a game we love, so it’s all about the perspective from my point of view,” Khawaja added.