Former Australia fast bowler, Jason Gillespie, has humbly acknowledged his misjudgment regarding opener Usman Khawaja, expressing delight at being proven wrong by Khawaja's outstanding 141 in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston.
Australia faced a challenging situation on Saturday after losing key batsmen David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith in the opening session. However, Khawaja spearheaded the recovery, exhibiting a splendid unbeaten 126, marking his first Test hundred in England. He forged crucial partnerships of 81 and 72 with Travis Head and Cameron Green, respectively, guiding Australia to 311/5 by stumps, trailing England by 82 runs.
On Sunday, Khawaja added 15 runs before being dismissed by Ollie Robinson, concluding an exceptional innings that spanned 321 deliveries, including 14 boundaries and three sixes.
Reflecting on his previous assessment, Gillespie confessed, "A couple of years ago, I saw Usman Khawaja play for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield game when I was coaching South Australia. I remember saying: 'I think he's past it. I don't think there's much left.' I felt he was a bit slow and he was battling. I thought his time was nearly done. Well, he has certainly proved me wrong, and I am delighted to admit it. You love it when players show they still have more to give." These remarks were shared by Gillespie in his column for the Daily Mail on Sunday.
Currently coaching South Australia in domestic cricket, Gillespie also praised Khawaja for becoming a stalwart in the team since his unexpected comeback Test match against England in the 2021/22 Ashes at Sydney, where he scored 137 and 101 not out.
"It all goes back to that sliding doors moment in January 2022 when Travis Head caught Covid before the fourth Ashes Test, and Usman got the opportunity and scored a hundred in each innings. He wasn't expecting that chance and is now playing every game as if it's his last, with a really clear mind," Gillespie acknowledged.
Furthermore, Gillespie drew a parallel between Khawaja's resurgence and the remarkable comeback of former opener and head coach Justin Langer, who excelled upon his return to the Australian Test side.
"It reminds me of the time Justin Langer replaced Michael Slater for the final Test of the Ashes in 2001. He thought he was in the last-chance saloon, and so he had that attitude of, 'I'm just going to make the most of this. I'm going to enjoy the battle, enjoy the challenge, just play and have fun.' Justin went on to have one of the great careers with that attitude and mindset. And I see a lot of similarities between the situation Justin was in and where Usman finds himself now," Gillespie concluded, highlighting the inspiring nature of Khawaja's journey.