Queensland Cricket in explosive feud with Usman Khawaja
Star Australian batter Usman Khawaja and Queensland Cricket are in the middle of a dramatic falling out.
The issue is over a hamstring injury which — depending on who you believe — forced Khawaja to be sidelined for the final round Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and South Australia.
That match resulted in a draw but that was enough to send the Bulls into the Shield final (also against SA).
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While it has been reported that the 38-year-old has been doing rehab on the issue, Queensland Cricket’s general manager Joe Dawes says he is “disappointed” in Khawaja.
“Our medical staff said all the way through he has been available for selection,’’ Dawes said on Wednesday.
“That is my understanding from Cricket Australia staff as well. No hamstring issues as far as we are concerned.
“I go off our medical staff and there is no reason why he could not have played the last game.
“It’s just disappointing he didn’t play a game for Queensland when he had an opportunity to.
“I have got a bunch of blokes here that all want to play.
“I think we are disappointed he did not play the game against South Australia.
“That’s the decision he made and he has communicated some of the reasons for that in the public. Hopefully he will make that decision to make himself available (for the final) for next week and we will make that decision on Friday.’’
Not long before Dawes spoke, however, Queensland Cricket confirmed that Khawaja told them about a hamstring issue that he was dealing with before his last Shield match against Tasmania earlier this month.
While Khawaja did play in that game, it appears he decided he needed a break for the clash with South Australia.
Possibly escalating the feud are reports that he only told officials he was right for the clash with Tassie about an hour before the team was unveiled.
Khawaja is reportedly not commenting on the issue.
It is now unclear if Queensland will select him for the final even he declares his availability.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
