Test hopeful Usman Khawaja fired a cheeky shot back at cricket legend Ian Chappell when the batter was asked about a potential recall to the Australian team.
The 34-year-old left-hander is in the mix to be picked in the Aussie squad for the looming Ashes series, starting in Brisbane on December 8.
Khawaja has played 44 Tests for the country but hasn’t worn the baggy green since being axed midway through the 2019 Ashes tour of England.
He’s rocketed back into contention in the past fortnight with consecutive centuries in the Sheffield Shield.
But when the idea of a Khawaja recall was put to Chappell by Wide World of Sports recently, his response was blunt.
“I’m not convinced that Khawaja is a good enough player,” Chappell said.
“Khawaja’s a good player against mediocre bowling, but against good bowling I don’t think there’s much future there.”
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On Tuesday, Khawaja had the chance to respond to that stinging appraisal.
“Chappelli will have his opinions. As a player you’ve got to concentrate on the things you’re good at,” he replied.
He then added with a cheeky smile; “Chappelli’s not even the best player in his family… if I’m going to take advice I might take it from his younger brother maybe”.
Khawaja was referencing the younger Chappell, Greg.
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Both Chappell brothers are legends of the game and each captained the Test team for long periods during their careers. Ian averaged 42.42 from 75 Tests, while Greg averaged 53.86 from 87 Tests.
Switching back to the serious, Khawaja said he won’t hold out hope of being named in the Ashes squad later this month.
“I love to play for Australia. If it happens, if it doesn’t… honestly, it’s not in my thinking,” he said.