Veteran Australian batsman Usman Khawaja has launched a defiant social media response to critics questioning his Test future, labelling the commentary as "hate and negativity". The 38-year-old opener finds his international career in the balance after being ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane with a back injury.
Social Media Defence Amid Selection Pressure
Khawaja, who will turn 39 next week, took to Instagram to address the growing speculation about his place in the side. In a post to his 781,000 followers, which featured a video of him praying, he wrote: "You think your hate and negativity can bring me down. Not even close." He added a positive personal note, stating, "I'm the luckiest man in the world. Always. At least that's how I perceive life."
His strong words come as his position as Australia's Test opener hangs by a thread. He sustained the back injury during the first Test in Perth, where his replacement, Travis Head, scored a century at the top of the order. Khawaja's absence opened the door for Western Australia's Josh Inglis to be recalled for the Brisbane match, with Head retaining the opening spot alongside newcomer Jake Weatherald.
Controversy and Poor Form Cloud Future
The experienced left-hander's recent actions have drawn significant scrutiny. Before the Perth Test, he played three rounds of golf, a decision that attracted criticism. He then caused a stir with explosive comments about the Optus Stadium pitch at a charity lunch for his Usman Khawaja Foundation.
Despite the International Cricket Council (ICC) giving the pitch a "very good" rating after 19 wickets fell, Khawaja labelled it a "piece of s..t". He doubled down, saying, "So, day-one wicket at Perth is a piece of shit, I'm happy to say that. Has been last year, it was this year."
Cricket Australia expressed its displeasure with the remarks. A spokesperson confirmed they had spoken with Khawaja but opted against formal sanctions, stating, "Usman's comments were not reflective of how the team viewed the pitch and Perth Stadium personnel are aware of this."
Smith Leaves Door Ajar for Veteran's Return
While there have been public calls for Khawaja to retire from Test cricket, stand-in captain Steve Smith has not closed the door on a potential return. Khawaja's recent form, however, presents a major hurdle. Since June 2025, he has averaged less than 15, with only one century since mid-2023.
This slump contrasts sharply with a distinguished career spanning 85 Tests. His record includes:
- 6,055 runs at an average of 43.56
- 16 centuries
- A legacy as one of the great openers of the 2020s
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the resilient opener can fight his way back into the Australian side or if his storied Test career has reached its conclusion.
