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New Delhi: Veteran Australia opener Usman Khawaja insists he is fit and motivated to play and won't hang on if he doesn't feel valued within the team.
The opener has gone through a lean run of scores and missed the second Ashes Test in Brisbane with back spasms after struggling with it in the series opener in Perth.
His commitment towards playing for the country was questioned when he participated in a golf tournament on the eve of the first match and subsequently suffered from back spasms that prevented him from batting in the second innings.
Khawaja now insists to be fit and available for selection for the third game in Adelaide, saying his commitment shouldn’t be questioned.
"I am the guy who, as much as people sometimes want to have a crack at me, I love playing for Australia. I train hard, I do everything right," the left hander said in Adelaide.
"For me, it's more about just being a professional. People can have opinions, that's absolutely no worry to me. I can't sit down and worry about what other people think, especially outside of the squad."
Due to turn 39 on December 18, Khawaja said he could have retired two years ago if he hadn’t had the hunger and wanted by his team.
“I could have retired two years ago. I could have retired any time. I'm still very committed. I'm still valued by the team, still asked to be here to play, so I'm here. One hundred per cent fit,” he said.
"I'm not here to hang on, I'm just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I'm valued I'm here, I'm doing my job. I just like to compete. I can bat so many different ways. I've been successful in all formats, I've got gears when I want to.
"My sample size will tell you that you've got to find a way to be consistent for a long period of time, not just over a game or two."
Khawaja has managed only 463 runs in eight Tests this year at an average of 35.61 and in his absence, Travid Head opened in the second innings in Perth and blazed to the second wickets ton in Ashes history to guide Australia to victory in a closely fought game.
