Australia opening batter Usman Khawaja has slammed his critics, who questioned his commitment towards playing for the nation. Khawaja, who was ruled out of the second Test against England, has been declared fit, but the final decision will be made by the captain and coach before the Adelaide Test.

Khawaja was criticised when he played in a golf tournament on the eve of the series opener in the Ashes and ended up hurting his back, which forced him to miss the second innings. The 38-year-old told the media that he has no case to answer questions about his commitment to Australia.

The southpaw, who will turn 39 on December 18, said that he could have announced his retirement two years ago.

“I could have retired two years ago, I could have retired any time. I am still committed to playing for Australia,” he added.

“People like to go after me. I am the guy who loves to play for Australia. I train hard and do everything right,” he mentioned.

“For me, it is about professionalism. People are entitled to have their opinions, and that doesn’t worry me. I can’t start thinking about what people are saying about me, especially outside the squad.”

Travis Head and Jake Weatherhead opened the innings in Usman’s absence, and the two performed well. However, with Khawaja getting fit, selectors could bring him back with Head moving to the middle order.

Khawaja is raring to go in Adelaide. “I am still valued and still asked to play. I am fit, and I am not here to sit. I am here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I am valued, I will compete. I can bat in different ways. I have achieved success across formats.”

“My sample size tells you that you have to find a way to be consistent,” he concluded.

In eight Tests this year, he has scored 463 runs at an average of 35.61.