Mumbai: Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden hurled some strong words at Usman Khawaja, for his “scapegoats” remark.
The veteran has advised Khawaja to "shut up and get runs."
Khawaja and Joe Burns were dropped by the Australian team form their final Test on the recent tour of Sri Lanka. The left-hander feels his exclusion from the third Test was unfair.
‘‘It’s a pretty big decision after just two Test matches. It was disappointing that Joe Burns and I were sort of the scapegoats for not performing.” Khawaja told Fairfax.
Hayden, who performed with ease on subcontinent tours, has advised Khawaja to concentrate on his batting to make a case for himself.
"In sporting sides you kind of feel a bit gypped at times because you want to do better and you’re driven by your own success,” Hayden was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
"But it’s always clearly one case, and that’s let your bat do the talking.
"I do think it was a harsh call on Uzzy, he’s always had those calls unfortunately.
"He just has to shut up and get runs — which he’s done this particular innings (in the Sheffield Shield this week) — but keep getting runs and keep mounting his story otherwise there’s going to be other players to take his spot."
Khwaja scored 79 against New South Wales in the ongoing Sheffield Shield round for Queensland.
The batsman has been retained in Australia's 12-man squad for the first Test against South Africa, which was announced on Friday.
Australia: David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, John Hazlewood, Joe Mennie, Nathan Lyon.
