CHENNAI, Feb 19: Usman Khawaja, the left-handed batsman who is also a qualified pilot, made his debut in the Sydney Ashes Test of 2011 and made history by becoming the first Muslim to play cricket for Australia.

The 26-year-old Pakistan-born Khawaja has a smart cricketing mind as well. Asked about the prospect of Australia playing on turners in the Indian campaign here on Tuesday, he replied: “Actually the heat could be on the Indian bowlers too. If they bowl on a rank turner, there would be pressure on them to deliver.”

The Islamabad-born batsman moved to Australia when young and has since pursed his dreams with hard work and passion.

The Indian tour would be yet another challenge for the man who has broken barriers. Would his name figure in the first Test?

“It would be interesting to see what Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur decide for the first Test. There have been a couple of good performances in the last few days. Also Davey [David Warner] has been hitting in the nets the last couple of days and hopefully he would be fit.”—Agencies