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Usman Khawaja stakes a claim for opening the batting yet again

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Usman Khawaja (Getty Images)
Usman Khawaja (Getty Images)

Cape Town - Usman Khawaja gave another exhibition of his merits as an opener with a masterful half-century against Sri Lanka in Australia's Cricket World Cup warm-up match.

Khawaja has had a breakout year, averaging 59.15 in ODIs in 2019. While opening, that number climbs to 65.50. But, despite those numbers, Khawaja's place at the top of the order is not certain, with captain Aaron Finch and the returning David Warner expected to hold the two opening spots.

But on Monday, 27 May, Khawaja showed yet again why he deserves that honour. Quickly taking stock of conditions in Australia's chase of 240, Khawaja crafted a measured 89 off 105 balls. On a pitch that took some turn, Khawaja looked at ease for the most part and effortlessly knocked the ball into the gaps to set up Australia's five-wicket victory.

Khawaja, however, insisted he wasn't thinking about his position in the XI while knocking off the runs.

"We've been trying to win games and be clinical. It was more about us continuing the winning ways [from] India and Dubai," he said. "I was just trying to contribute to that. I'm not looking too far ahead. Some things aren't in my control."

Khawaja didn't shy away from stating his preference for opening the batting, owing to his familiarity with that role, but emphasised on the need to be flexible to accommodate the team's best interests.

"It's just a mindset thing," he said. "As an opener, you know you're going out there, first over, first ball, you're trying to take the game on, suss out the conditions. It's a bit different when you come out in the middle order. But the beauty of our team is that we can bat in different conditions.

"I do love opening, that's where I've batted my whole life in one-day cricket. But at the end of the day, it's about winning games and doing the best for your team. I'd rather we win and I get a duck, rather than I get a hundred and we lose. It doesn't matter if I do play, I don't play, if I'm running the drinks, I'm going to try and contribute how I can to the squad. I know what the change room feels like when you're winning, and how it feels like when you're losing, and I'll take the winning one any week."

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