Khawaja: Hamstring stronger than ever
The top-order batsman obliterated doubts over his fitness with a star performance for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League on Sunday.
Australia batsman Usman Khawaja said his hamstrings are the strongest they have been in three years ahead of the Boxing Day Test against West Indies, starting Saturday.
The Boxing Day Test hopeful put in a hugely impressive performance for Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League on Sunday, scoring an unbeaten 109 his first game since suffering a hamstring injury in November.
Khawaja dominated the MCG as he batted out all 20 overs of the Thunder's one-run win over Melbourne Stars, hitting 12 boundaries and three sixes in a virtually flawless Test audition and said he is feeling no ill effects heading into Boxing Day.
"I was very happy to get through the game and even happier to win," Khawaja told reporters on Monday.
"Scoring 100 in a T20 game is not easy and I feel really good today.
"My hamstring is definitely stronger than it has been for the last three years. The last testing I did on Friday was a hamstring strength test and my hamstrings came up stronger than they have been for the last three years."
But still, Khawaja insisted he is no guarantee to play in what would be his first Boxing Day Test.
"I'm in the squad but I haven't been selected for [a Boxing Day Test] yet," Khawaja said.
"I just had to go out and go 100 per cent, prove my fitness and get a win, so I've ticked both those boxes."
The hit-out was Khawaja's first since suffering a hamstring injury against New Zealand in the second Test in Perth last month, disrupting an exquisite run of form in the Australia side, having scored two centuries in two matches against the Black Caps.
With selection not guaranteed, the top-order batsman said he is trying not to think too far ahead but admitted it would be a massive achievement to play in Melbourne.
"If I got to play, it would be a dream come true," Khawaja said.
"Whether you're from Melbourne or Sydney, I think it's the biggest Test of the year.
"But there is still a bit of work to do and a bit of time between now and then, so I'm trying not to look too far ahead."

























