Healy addresses Khawaja’s ‘pick and choose mentality’ and discloses communication with Cricket Australia

Queensland icon Ian Healy is urging Cricket Australia to “feel the pressure” following the mysterious absence of Test batsman Usman Khawaja from a Sheffield Shield fixture.

Healy, a former Australian wicketkeeper, criticized Khawaja for having a “pick and choose mentality” that raises questions about his commitment to his state team.

The Queensland Bulls managed to qualify for the Shield final after securing a draw against the top-placed South Australia, along with other favourable results this week.

Khawaja’s exclusion from the match was attributed to hamstring concerns; however, he was seen enjoying the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday while his Queensland teammates kicked off their crucial match against South Australia, which ultimately determined their final spot.

Joe Dawes, the head of Queensland cricket, mentioned that neither the Bulls nor Cricket Australia were informed of any injury issues affecting the 38-year-old.

He expressed disappointment at Khawaja’s absence, especially given that he seemed reluctant to participate in the last match of the regular season, before highlighting that he has a “great group of players” eager to seize the opportunity.

“Our medical staff have informed us consistently that he has been available for selection,” Dawes stated on Wednesday.

“As far as we know from Cricket Australia, there were no hamstring issues affecting him.

“I trust our medical staff, and there was no reason preventing him from playing in the final game.

“It’s simply disappointing that he didn’t seize the chance to represent Queensland. I have a squad of eager players ready to step up.

“We are disappointed he chose not to play against South Australia. That’s his choice, and he’s shared some explanations publicly.

“I hope he opts to make himself available for next week’s match, and we will make that decision on Friday.”

Healy, who serves as the deputy chair of Queensland cricket, expressed his views during his radio show on SEN on Thursday.

“Let’s not forget that when Usman is selected for a team, he is fully committed,” Healy remarked.

“When he engages in the team environment, he performs well. However, this pick and choose attitude demonstrated in recent years has not sat well with Queensland.

“I’m relieved I didn’t switch on the television to see him at the F1 event.

“Cricket Australia should be feeling the heat over this… I spoke to them, and they were unaware of Queensland’s concerns about his decision not to play, wishing we had contacted them sooner.

“With it being the last round of the Sheffield Shield to secure a place in the final… I wanted Cricket Australia to feel some of the pressure surrounding this situation.”

Healy also commented on the matter on Wednesday.

“The board should be appalled that Usman Khawaja chose not to participate in the last round of the Sheffield Shield competition to help his state into the final,” he said.

“To Cricket Australia: your contracted player is absent from a longstanding competition. Our cricket must emphasise integrity, skill, and resilience, not absence.”

It remains uncertain whether Khawaja will return for the final scheduled for March 26.

Sources speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald on the condition of anonymity indicated that Khawaja may be unlikely to return to the Sheffield Shield after Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka.

While Khawaja’s Australian teammates, including Nathan Lyon, Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins, have not participated in the tournament since the Sri Lanka tour, Khawaja decided to make his return as Queensland needed a win in Hobart to keep their final hopes alive.