Khawaja mistaken for Pakistan player in Brisbane

Khawaja grew up in Islamabad, but he is now a full-fledged Australian, however, that has not stopped the star cricketer from being involved in a case of mistaken identity ahead of the first Test, starting on Thursday.

Published : Dec 13, 2016 20:58 IST

Usman Khawaja attempted to access Australia's dressing room at the Gabba on Tuesday before an official at the ground mistakenly ushered him toward Pakistan's rooms.
Usman Khawaja attempted to access Australia's dressing room at the Gabba on Tuesday before an official at the ground mistakenly ushered him toward Pakistan's rooms.
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Usman Khawaja attempted to access Australia's dressing room at the Gabba on Tuesday before an official at the ground mistakenly ushered him toward Pakistan's rooms.

Pakistan-born Australia batsman Usman Khawaja was involved in an embarrassing mix-up, confused for one of the touring players heading into the opening Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

Khawaja grew up in Islamabad, but he is now a full-fledged Australian, however, that has not stopped the star cricketer from being involved in a case of mistaken identity ahead of the first Test, starting on Thursday.

The Queensland Bulls captain attempted to access Australia's dressing room at the Gabba prior to his news conference on Tuesday before an official at the ground mistakenly ushered him toward Pakistan's rooms.

"She was like 'Oh, you need the locker rooms open?' I went 'yes please' and she started walking to the Pakistani change room," Khawaja told reporters.

"I was like, 'no, I'm that way, thank you!'"

Despite his Pakistani heritage, there are now doubts about Khawaja's commitment to Australia as he prepares to face the nation of his birth.

"If I broke it down, the way I act and what I do is very Australian, but there's always parts of me — when I talk to my parents I try to speak Urdu with them here and there," he said.

"It's not as good as them but they understand what's going on so it is a big part of my life when I'm with my parents and around my parents."

Khawaja heads into clash as the player to watch, having hit a majestic 145 in the third and final test against South Africa in November. The 29-year-old backed that up with a 157-run knock for the Bulls at Sheffield Shield level last week. And he has the opportunity to come up against former Australia coach Mickey Arthur following the infamous 'Homework-gate', which saw Khawaja axed during the 2013 tour of India.

"I'm not the kind of guy who holds on to grudges. If I get into a fight or I get angry with someone I'm over it [quickly], usually anyway," Khawaja added. "I'm sure if I see Mickey there'll be no issues, it'll be fine, everything will be good."

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