‘I can’t believe we’re even talking about this’ – Tim Paine backs 37-year-old Usman Khawaja to play longer and names potential successor

Usman Khawaja, 37, has been urged to play more for Australia by Tim Paine, who was just named head coach of the Prime Minister’s XI against India. Khawaja has been batting as good as ever, according to the former Australia captain, and his reflexes haven’t slowed down.

Khawaja, who will turn 38 next month, averaged 52.60 in 2023 and 67.50 in 2022 in the game’s longest format. The southpaw is averaging 30.44 in 2024, which is less than his output in the previous two years. But when Australia plays India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25, he will be a vital member at the top of the order.

Paine, a member of the national squad who has played with Khawaja, dispelled rumours that the left-hander would soon retire, pointing to his consistency, form, and temperament as proof of his value in the current Australian red-ball system.

Paine said, “I’m amazed that we’re even discussing this.” “His age is only a number, particularly given his skill as a batter. For the past two years, as an opening batsman, he has been almost the finest player in the world. “His eyes are sharp, he doesn’t appear to have lost any of his reflexes, and he’s batting as well as he ever has,” Paine stated on SEN Tassie, characterising the conversation surrounding Khawaja’s age as unnecessary.

Tim Paine believes that Sam Konstas might be Usman Khawaja’s long-term replacement.

Tim Paine stated that Australia has enough players in their ranks to cover for Khawaja in the event that he experiences a decline in form or sustains an injury. One possible long-term replacement for Khawaja, according to the former wicketkeeper-batter, is 19-year-old Sam Konstas.

If something were to occur in the near future, I believe we have the solution. They would probably lean towards Sam Konstas out of the four players currently on the pitch.

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“He’s demonstrated through a few shots that he’s going to be a gun; you can tell he’s ready for big moments,” Paine remarked, praising Konstas’ skill.