A First for Australia
Usman Khawaja - Australia's latest test batsman
SO here’s the thing.
Australia is noted as being one of the three most multicultural countries in the world (after the US and Israel). It is certainly something that I think almost everybody over here is very proud of. Even for the few crazies that we have ( and doesn’t every country?), I’m sure they could not live without their latte and “spagy bols”
So on Monday, the latest recipient of the famous Baggy Green was a young Moslem lad named Usman Khawaja. And bless him too!
Young Usman came out here with his family from Pakistan when he was 4 yrs old. Now its tough enough a gig to emigrate, let alone to a country with a very different culture to what you are used to. And the wonderful thing, is that we as Australia have welcomed him, his family and millions just like them. All coming here from the four corners of the world. All looking for a better life and to live in peace and (reasonable) harmony with all others around.
So this young Moslem emigrant lad, living in Sydney, has risen from the juniors, AIS, Australia Under 19s, Australia A, NSW and now … that’s tight, EARN, his place among the immortal few to wear the Baggy Green.
And it is a credit to him, his family, Australian cricket and the wider Australian community that a young lad like Usman can reach the heights of greatness based on skill, talent, hard work and honest endeavour.
And let that be a lesson to all peoples, in Australia and throughout the world.
Three cheers to you my friend. I did share The Age article on Facebook, but I didn’t get around to blogging about it. I should have. Glad to see you did!