Khawaja ready for special Test series as Pakistan face fitness issues

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja is back in the country of his birth - for the first time as an international cricketer - and stated that playing in Pakistan will be a "special" moment.

Khawaja, 36, was born to Pakistani parents in Islamabad before moving to Australia four years later. However, his Australia career did not go according to plan and he went in and out of the Test team.

Recently, he made a stellar comeback after a gap of three years, smashing a century in each innings of the Ashes Test against England at Sydney.

His return to form has come at an opportune moment, as Australia prepare for a historic visit to the South Asian nation. Khawaja is part of the Australian squad that arrived in Islamabad on Sunday. It is the first time in 24 years an Aussie team has come for a visit - and they will play three Tests, starting in Rawalpindi on Friday, three ODIs and one T20.

"The fact that I am playing in Pakistan is special, very special," Khawaja said ahead of the first Test.

"I always wanted to play in Pakistan, as I said, down the road. There is that bit of sentiment definitely, but once the game starts you don't think about that stuff.

"I look forward to playing in Rawalpindi, where I went to the old stadium as a kid and have played once," said Khawaja, who has visited Pakistan on four occasions, the last time in 2010.

"Karachi is also special to my heart, where my relatives live, but since we are in a security bubble there is no chance of meeting anyone."

However, Khawaja said despite the sentiments attached to the tour, playing well for Australia is always his goal.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam during a practice session at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, February 27, 2022. Pakistan are hosting Australia