Usman Khawaja is ready to take on a dual role in the Australian Test squad, not just scoring runs at the top of the order but also guiding the young and gifted opening batsman Sam Konstas.

Khawaja, 38, is expected to begin the innings alongside Konstas, 19, in the first Test of a three-match series against the West Indies. The much-anticipated match begins on Wednesday, June 25, at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.

“It is an additional role. To assist Sammy on his trip, I attempt to give as much knowledge as I can. I will not be around forever. But it’s critical that I do everything I can to provide a good partnership between us, as well as some stability at the top, and to lead him through this trip,” Khawaja told reporters before of the match, which begins on Wednesday.

When questioned about working with Sam Konstas again, Khawaja replied, “I knew when and where he was going to drop and run a quick single, and I was ready for it.”

Khawaja was thrilled to have the opportunity to help the young batter develop as a cricketer, especially with the high-voltage Ashes coming up later this year.

“He is still very young, a 19-year-old lad, and that is extremely exciting. There’s obviously this series, followed by the huge Ashes.”

I understand I am 38 years old. People will look for excuses: Usman Khawaja

Khawaja had a dismal performance in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. He scored 0 and 6, as Kagiso Rabada removed him both times. Some members of the cricketing community have begun to question Khawaja’s ability to play seam bowling. However, the southpaw emphasised that he had consistently scored in Shield Cricket and finished as Australia’s leading run-getter in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle.

“I can’t understand how I can (have a problem against seam bowling) if I can score so many runs in Shield cricket or be the highest run-scorer for Australia in the WTC cycle,” remarked Khawaja.

The Islamabad-born said that he gets out more often to seamers because he is an opening batter. He said that people look to make him the scapegoat because of his age.

“I open the batting for Australia. So I get out to seam more than I get out to anyone else … I understand I’m 38 years old. People will be looking for an excuse.”