'I think it's the first time for a long time...' - Usman Khawaja hails Australia management for 'positive environment' within the team

The veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja has come up with a big statement when he drew a comparison between the current management of Australia to that of the old regime under the coaching of Justin Langer. He said that current management has been very liberal for the players and the cricketers are being treated as professionals or adults.

Notably, Khawaja was in the headlines of social media when he talked after the controversial exit of former head coach Justin Langer in February 2022. Khawaja made some shocking revelations about Langer in the Amazon Documentary “The Fest”. He also reckoned that the team was afraid of Langer’s behavior with the players and the way he used to treat the team members.

"It's hard to quantify it (in the wins), but I think everything around that is being done with the team, with Pat and Andrew McDonald in terms of just cutting out the fluff. Cutting out the box-ticking stuff,” said Khawaja to Perth Now.

"Really stripping down the game, saying what's important, what do we think is important? We are all professionals and adults here and I think it's the first time in a long time that we've really been treated like adults and that's made a big difference,” he added later.

Here's what Usman Khawaja said further

Furthermore, Khawaja also showed trust in the current balanced lineup of Australia and backed the side to perform well having experienced veterans on their side.

"We have a very good, very experienced team. Our bowling attack is very experienced, batting attack is very experienced. We've had a team together for a year-and-a-half, two years now which has gelled together,” stated Khawaja.

Now, the veteran Southpaw will be in action with the Australian side in the second Test of The Ashes 2023. England and Australia will play this match at the Lord’s in London on Wednesday, the 28^th of June.