Khawaja says he's ready to make his mark in India. Image Source: twitter[/caption]Internet Desk: Due to the 'homework-gate' saga, Australian opening batsman Usman Khawaja lost the chance to play against India in 2013. But this time Khawaja says that he is fully determined and is all set to make his mark in the upcoming four-match Test rubber in India which is beginning later this month.
While Australians toured India in 2013, Khwaja was in the team and he became one of the four players, along with Shane Watson, Mitchell Johnson and James Pattinson, to be embroiled in the homework saga involving then-coach Mickey Arthur.
Khawaja's chance of playing Tests on Indian tour ended when he failed to provide written feedback on how team can improve, which means on February 23 the series opener in Pune will be his first against the host country, who are currently top ranked in the longer format of the game.
"It was a tough tour (India 2013), even from the sideline, just because we were losing games and things were not going our way," Khawaja was quoted as saying by Fairfax Media in a report appeared in 'Sydney Morning Herald'.
The Australian team presently is training in Dubai for the Test series against India.
"There was a bit going on in and around the change room at the time. I think that happens from time to time, especially when you start losing games -- it's tough work. It is one of those things, we have a different group now, (different) support staff.
"All experiences...probably more so bad experiences or experiences where you fail probably help shape you as a cricketer and a person more. You always seem to learn when you don't quite do as well or when the team doesn't quite do as well, if things don't go your way," Khwaja said.
Australia lost the 2013 series 0-4 and still have not won a Test on Indian soil since 2004, when Adam Gilchrist led the side to a memorable 2-1 victory.
Khawaja is now tasked with helping Australia nullify India's deadly spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
"I always get really excited playing against really good opposition, really good players, really good bowlers. At the end of the day, that's what it's all about, playing and challenging yourself against the best players in the world," Khawaja said.
"Everyone goes about their ways differently. Everyone will look at it (footage of Ashwin and Jadeja) at some point, but some people will look at it more, some people will look at it less. It's the modern game, everyone looks at everyone nowadays, it's just part and parcel of the game."
With inputs from PTI.
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