Usman Khawaja: The future of Australian cricket?

Applause has been abundant for test debutant Usman Khawaja’s performance in Ashes Just Gone. One of the few Australian batsmen (the first since Justin Langer in 1992) to make his debut at number three, Khawaja looked pretty solid and seemed to have a good temperament. However, with a score of just 37, he shows the state of Australian cricket already being heralded as the next big thing. Of course, he should be congratulated for making a fairly decent score, but it’s worth noting that not too long ago a debut score in the thirties would not have been greeted with such celebration.

Khawaja’s tickets were certainly assured and his media performances, so important these days, are also impressive. However, the appetite for new talent has resulted in the Australian media looking at Khawaja through rose-colored glasses. In his innings, Khawaja was on 15 after just ten deliveries, but he finished 37 for 95. This can be read as a player who leveled off in his innings, and there was certainly an element to this, however, the slow pace of Khawaja put pressure on his captain, and Michael Clarke duly went down on a shot that was too offensive. Also, quite a few of Khawaja’s runs came from questionable shots. His four shot looked good, but he fell dangerously close to the fielder at a time when Australia couldn’t afford to lose another ground. He then he slashed savagely for four again on the spot.

Then, on the verge of a storm that ultimately led to the conclusion of the game, he leaned in for a premeditated sweep against Graeme Swann and was caught on the top edge in square leg. It was a strange shot against Swann, who was in the first over of his, and he is well known for taking wickets at the start of a spell. Khawaja left the field to thunderous applause and wisely refused to acknowledge the crowd. He, we hope, realized that his entries, while promising, were not worthy of such applause.

In no way is this article intended to be a lead balloon. Khawaja is an exciting prospect and his inclusion on the team is welcome. But both the media and the public need to step back, judge the innings for what they were and simply let a talented young player develop without the ridiculous expectations that are already being heaped on him. Khawaja was praised for his calm temperament against England yesterday, for him to be truly successful he will have to maintain this determination when he comes up against an overzealous Australian cricketing community.