I worked hard to reach here, says Usman

dubai — Usman Khawaja said years of hard work in domestic cricket finally paid off as he played one of the greatest matchsaving innings in Test cricket.

Khawaja’s heroic 141 off 302 balls (524 minutes) has already earned comparisons with some of the all-time great fourth innings hundreds in Test cricket.

The Australian left-hander, who came into this series with a top score of 26 in Asia, says this hundred would always remain close to his heart.

“Yeah my celebration, that was definitely something there I reckon. It was mostly about getting a hundred for Australia in the last day of a match and trying to save a game,” he said at the post-match press conference.

“Lot of work goes into playing cricket at the highest level. I have worked as hard as anyone in first class cricket in the last 10 years.

“People think I am gifted and that is what has helped me reach where I am. But that’s not the case at all. I worked hard in different places. People overlook that sort of things and you don’t get to play at the highest level without working hard and I think there is no secret to success.

“Success is all about hard work. You know I was just grateful to be out there playing for Australia and getting a hundred for Australia really. Every time you get a hundred it’s a great feeling,” he added.

When asked about his marathon effort on the fifth day wicket in challenging weather conditions, Khawaja said: “For me it was just about trying to stay out there for as long as I can and try to bat for as long as I can and score runs, giving us the best opportunity to take it as deep as possible for us to draw the match.