Usman Khawaja has responded to Joe Dawes, the Head of Cricket for Queensland Cricket, who publicly criticized him for missing last week’s Sheffield Shield match to attend the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne with his wife. In a statement to the media, Khawaja disclosed that he was dealing with a hamstring injury, which was known to the Queensland medical team.

Dawes' comments were met with mixed reactions from fans and officials, including criticism directed at Khawaja. He asserted that Khawaja was not experiencing any injury and had chosen not to participate in the match.

“Our medical staff has consistently indicated that he was available for selection. This aligns with my understanding of Cricket Australia staff as well. As far as we are concerned, there are no hamstring issues,” Dawes stated.

“I rely on our medical team, and there is no justification for him not playing in the last game. It is disappointing that he missed the opportunity to represent Queensland. I have a group of players eager to compete,” he added.

Usman Khawaja slams Queensland Cricket chief

In an interview with reporters, Khawaja expressed his disappointment, stating, "The most disheartening aspect for me was my attempt to keep this matter private and behind the scenes. That is no longer the case."

He continued, "Recently, Joe Dawes made some provocative comments that I found quite disappointing as a player. Consequently, I felt compelled to share my perspective. Joe claimed the medical staff was unaware of my hamstring injury, which is entirely inaccurate."

Khawaja remarked, "That was perhaps one of the most astonishing statements I have encountered, and it is truly disappointing because it is categorically false. I wanted to clarify that."

In addition to Khawaja, Nathan Lyon has also been embroiled in a similar controversy. The spinner was in Melbourne to attend the F1 race alongside his wife.

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