'I am one of the most-dropped players ever' - Australian opener Usman Khawaja opens up on his Test journey amid competing in WTC Final

Australian cricket has produced some great cricketers over the years in the longest format named Test cricket. While some had prolonged careers with some astonishing performances, there are also some greats who also had great careers but bid adieu to the cricket world sooner than expected. Interestingly enough, some players who have had a topsy-turvy ride, somehow have been able to make a comeback after feeling their Test career got over already.

In that sulking moment, a gleam of hope emerges in the mindset when one realises that there have been legends in the game who are still remembered for their invaluable contribution to the game and who inspire to keep enjoying the game as a player and make a comeback against the odds. Speaking of Australia, one such talented player that comes to mind is none other than Usman Khawaja.

Notably, Khawaja has played 61 Test matches for Australia, whereby he averages a decent 46.95 along with his best score of an unbeaten 195. However, has remained injury prone with a Knee injury being the major hurdle of his career. Moreover, he looked rusty with the bat keeping his best form under dark clouds. Despite that, the man has come a long way. In the same vein, Usman Khawaja believes that he is the most 'dropped player' of Australia.

"I want to say I am one of the most-dropped players ever. But I still felt I was in the top six batsmen in the country. I was like 'All right, Cool. Well, I played 44 Tests, and that's a lot more than many people get to play," Khawaja said in an interview with The Guardian.

Furthermore, he reflected on the fourth Test of the 2021-22 Ashes, which was played in Sydney. In a rather roller coaster turn of events, the COVID-19 affected phase of life turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Australian opener. Travis Head was ruled out of the Test after he was tested positive. Consequently, Usman Khawaja was recalled to the side, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan-born southpaw went on to smack two back-to-back centuries as he scored 137 and 101, respectively.

Usman Khwaja has had a dismal time in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship Final

The Australian opener, had a rather forgettable start to the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final, as he got for a ten-ball duck in the first innings. Thereafter, in the second innings, when the pitch became flatter for the batters, Khawaja tried to occupy the crease for some time to get his eyes in. Albeit, he failed to get going yet again (13 off 39 balls), as he got dismissed by Umesh Yadav in the second innings.

Meanwhile, after four days of some gruelling Test cricket, the battle has reached its final day to claim the Test mace. Australia put up a strong batting display in their first innings by posting a huge total of 469 runs. Thereafter, after suffering a top-order collapse India recovered to put up a respectable total on the board as they finished with 296 runs on the board.

Then in the second innings, Indian bowlers put up a spirited bowling to keep the Aussies in check but the lower middle order ensured that Australia hand India a mammoth target of 444 runs. India did gave themselves a chance to chase history needing 280 runs on the final day after they recovered from early jolts in the form of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma. But on the final day, after the departure of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, Australia ran through the Indian batting line up to win their maiden WTC final title by a mammoth 209 runs.