Usman Khawaja
Australian cricket's elegant and resilient left-hander who broke barriers as a Muslim opener and became a pillar of the Test side through sheer perseverance.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Australian cricketer·Birthday: December 18·Millennials
Biography
Usman Khawaja's career is a narrative of class, patience, and quiet history-making. As the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, his path to the baggy green was watched closely, and he announced himself with a composed debut century in Sydney in 2011. What followed, however, was years in and out of the side, often perceived as a player for home conditions. His true renaissance began after 2016, where he shed the fringe-player tag through weight of runs and technical refinement. Khawaja matured into Australia's dependable No. 3, a stylish counterpoint to the team's more aggressive batters, playing crucial innings in difficult Asian conditions. His late-career move to opener showcased his adaptability, and he captained the Brisbane Heat to a BBL title, underlining his leadership. More than his graceful cover drives, Khawaja's legacy is one of dignified persistence, overcoming selection puzzles to cement himself as a vital, culture-shaping figure in modern Australian cricket.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Usman was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Usman Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Usman's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first Muslim and Pakistani-born player to represent Australia in Test cricket.
- Scored centuries in both innings of a Test match against Pakistan in Dubai in 2018.
- Captained the Brisbane Heat to their second Big Bash League title in BBL|12.
- Was a key member of Australia's 2021-22 Ashes series victory, scoring two centuries.
- Averaged over 50 in Test cricket as an opening batsman after taking on the role later in his career.
Did You Know?
He was born in Islamabad, Pakistan, and moved to Australia as a child.
He holds a pilot's license and has a degree in aviation.
He is an avid fan of the NBA and the former SuperSonics/OKC Thunder.
His younger brother, Arsalan Khawaja, was also a first-class cricketer in Australia.
“I've always said I'm Australian, I'm proud to be Australian, but I'm also proud of my Pakistani heritage.”
