“You’ve just got to be prepared no matter what”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Australia batsman Usman Khawaja is already doing his homework on what to expect in India when the Baggy Greens travel to the country for a four-Test series in February.
The last time Australia were in India was in 2013, and homework was a word that sparked a lot of controversy ahead of the third Test in Mohali as then head coach Mickey Arthur dropped Khawaja, Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson to failing to do a homework assignment he had set.
To make matters worse, Australia ended up being whitewashed 4-0.
With those memories in mind, coupled with the fact that he has become an integral part of Australia’s batting line-up after enjoying an excellent run of form, the 30-year-old is ready for the challenges that await him in the subcontinent.
“I’ll definitely have a chance, and I’ve already started doing some work,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. “I know the team (for India) hasn’t been picked but you’ve just got to be prepared no matter what. It’s always something you’ve got to be mindful of, even when you’re playing white-ball cricket. I’ll wait until the team is picked and then it will be easier to plan out.
“At the end of the day, I think the most important thing is… whoever goes over there, it’s all about experience. India is a tough place to play cricket, as a lot of other places are. It’s always tough when you go to England, or go to South Africa.”
Khawaja also admitted that beating the top-ranked Test team on home soil will be no easy feat, especially considering the damage their spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are capable of inflicting.
In addition to that, captain Virat Kohli and batsman Cheteshwar Pujara have been in sublime form as of late.
“They are different conditions and that’s what makes the challenge. And India is probably one of the greatest challenges because it’s the most different to what we’ve grown up playing against,” Khawaja added. “From experience, you practice and practice and practice but until you get out in the middle and get put under pressure and have those experiences in the middle and find your way around it, it’s just not the same.”