Forgotten Aussie batsman Usman Khawaja wins hearts with stunning midgame speech

It’s not often a rain break provides the highlight of a cricket match, but Fox Cricket’s interview with Usman Khawaja during last night’s Big Bash League game was TV at its finest.

The veteran batsman, stuck in the international cricket wilderness after being dropped midway through the 2019 Ashes series in England, offered an impressive perspective on how he’s navigating his time away from the very top level.

Regardless of how – or where – he’s batting, the 34-year-old remains positive.

“The three things I really live by is (number one) trust in God’s plan,” he said.

“As someone who believes in God, there is a plan that has got to happen.

“(Two) I try to stay really patient. Whether that’s runs, wins, anything in life – I try to stay patient.

“And probably the most important thing for me is gratitude. Making sure when things are going well and even when they aren’t going well I’m really grateful for all the blessings I have.

Usman Khawaja hasn’t been seen at international level since the Third Test at Leeds. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Source:Getty Images

But he’s thankful for his ‘beautiful’ wife, Rachel.Source:Instagram

“We live in a beautiful country in Australia. I have a beautiful wife, beautiful family and a beautiful child. There are a lot of things in life that I can be grateful for, even food on the table.

“I love a coffee so I’m grateful I can go out everyday for a coffee.

“There’s so many people out there who can’t even do that.”

It was just one highlight from an exceptional night wearing the player microphone by the left-handed batsman.

He also engaged in some one-sided but good-natured banter with Mike Hussey and was happy to offer his opinion on LBW decisions despite fielding at point.

Usman Khawaja on the Fox Cricket player mic is as good as it gets ??

FULL CHAT: http://bigba.sh/KhawajaFoxCricket

But it was the lessons he’s learned during his career and is now sharing with younger players in the Queensland and Sydney Thunder teams that viewers enjoyed the most.

Former Test spinner Stuart MacGill was moved enough to tweet: “Without doubt (Khawaja is) one of the very best people I played cricket with. I have a sneaking suspicion that his vast cricketing skills are simply a hint of things to come.”

Usman Khawaja right now talking gratitude on the player mic in the rain break ?♥️ #BBL10

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