Usman Khawaja, the Australian Test batter, is in a bit of a disagreement with Queensland Cricket ahead of the Sheffield Shield final next week. He is likely to be included in an extended squad for the game, but it won't be decided whether he plays until just before the match starts.
Khawaja, 38, didn’t play in the last Shield game of the season against South Australia, which helped Queensland qualify for the final. Instead, Khawaja went to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne while the match was happening in Adelaide. He later posted on social media that he was recovering from a hamstring injury, which he said he got while playing against Tasmania, though there’s also a suggestion he has an ankle issue from the Sri Lanka tour. Despite this, he played in the Tasmania match without issues.
Joe Dawes, Queensland Cricket's general manager, strongly disagreed with Khawaja’s claim. He said that Queensland's medical staff believes Khawaja wasn’t actually injured and could have played in the game. Dawes expressed disappointment that Khawaja didn’t play, adding that the team was hoping he would make himself available for next week’s final.
Khawaja wasn't the only player not to play in the last round. Nathan Lyon also missed the game because he’s dealing with a hip issue, while Steven Smith didn’t play after returning from the Champions Trophy. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey, both Australian contracted players, did play for their teams.
Khawaja has already played 11 first-class matches this summer, including seven Tests, which is more than any other Australian domestic batter. To keep himself fresh, he’s been managing his schedule to balance rest and playing, especially since he’s focused on extending his career. He missed a few Shield games earlier in the season to rest before major Test series, and his approach has been supported by Cricket Australia. After the Shield final, Khawaja will have some time off before preparing for four Tests in June and July, including the World Test Championship final and a tour of the West Indies. He won’t have any international matches until the Ashes in late November.
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