Australia's opening batter Usman Khawaja has won the first-ever Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award.
Shane Warne Men's Test Player of the Year award, introduced by Cricket Australia (CA) after their legendary cricketer's demise last year, was won by Khawaja for his stellar performance in Australian whites.
The left-handed opener, who returned to Test cricket last year in January, scored the highest 1020 runs in this format from Australian team during the voting period. His handsome average of 78.46 made him dominant.
Speaking after receiving his award, Khawaja described his feelings.
"I honestly thought that game at the SCG. I always thought it could be my last game. I was playing it as my last game," Khawaja said.
"It’s funny when you play with that kind of mindset how things can actually work out. I was just worried about getting off the mark and doing the process right and trying to win the game for the team. Life’s very funny at times," he added.
The cricketer also recalled Australian team's tour to Pakistan last year.
"What we did as a team going to Pakistan. I mean, New Zealand had an opportunity to go, but they didn’t go. England had an opportunity to go, they didn’t go,” he reminisced.
“All the way from CA up to the top, up to Pat (Cummins), all the players – it was a sacrifice at some level because of the families, it was uncertain. We hadn’t been back there for so long, so for a lot of people they don’t see behind the scenes it’s a tough decision to make. Credit to everyone who went,
“Obviously I was born in Pakistan. I know what it means to Pakistan cricket. I know what it means to Pakistan. I know what it means to my dad because I grew up and I saw what the passion he had for cricket and supporting Pakistan and now Australia. For the guys to do that, I think speaks volumes for the team and where we’re headed," he concluded.
- Shane Warne