‘Don't want to jinx him, but he is looking good’ - Usman Khawaja on David Warner’s batting exploits ahead of crucial WTC Final

Australia batter Usman Khawaja stated that he is confident in his compatriot David Warner’s batting exploits ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 Final. Notably, the two fierce rivals- India and Australia have begun preparations in full swing for the One-off Test, slated to commence on June 7 at the Oval in London.

Ahead of the crucial Test against India and the eagerly-anticipated Ashes 2023, Khawaja spoke highly of Warner’s current form in the net sessions and added that the latter could have his way in terms of getting the runs for his side.

"I have seen him (Warner) bat in the last couple of days and, I don't want to jinx him, but he is looking good. This is probably the best I have seen him look in the nets for a while. That doesn't always correlate to runs, but if we are any chance of Davey Warner scoring runs this could be it. He always plays his best when his back is against the wall too,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

You never write off a great player: Khawaja

Khawaja further cited Warner’s marvellous double ton during the second Test against South Africa as he scored at a time when the odds were stacked against the star batter. Despite an underwhelming show in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, Warner will be raring to get the big runs and help clinch the coveted mace. 

"We saw when he scored a double century in his 100th game when everyone was writing him off and telling him he was done and it was his last game and he went out and gets 200. You never write off a great player, so I am expecting runs," added Khawaja.

It is worth noting that Warner is likely to feature in his final tour of England as he has hinted that the Pakistan series in 2024 will be his final stint before calling time on his illustrious Test career. In addition to this, the explosive southpaw is pushing himself to feature in the T20 World Cup which will be held in 2024.