SCG centurion Usman Khawaja: "It's amazing how life can work out both ways"

The moment Khawaja reached three figures with a clip behind square off Jack Leach was met with a huge roar from the watching crowd, with the batsman describing the feeling as "the most touching, humbling, amazing" of his career

"I wasn't really sure if I was going to represent Australia again, let alone score a hundred, so it's amazing how life can work out both ways."

Usman Khawaja reflected on living the Australian dream after hitting a century against England in his first Test innings in 28 months. 

Khawaja's 137 was the bedrock of his team's 416 for 8 declared on day two at the SCG, as the hosts once again dominated a day of Ashes cricket.

The 35-year-old, recalled in place of Covid-struck Travis Head, was quickly into his stride, striking 13 boundaries in his 260-ball stay. And his hundred was the highlight of the day's play.

^{Usman Khawaja made 137 on his return to the Australia Test team (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)}

The moment Khawaja reached three figures with a clip behind square off Jack Leach was met with a huge roar from the watching crowd, with the batsman describing the feeling as "the most touching, humbling, amazing" of his career.

"The roar that went up, the chanting of Uzzie, stuff you sort of dream of but never expect it to happen," he said.

"I was excited, so pumped. Hundreds don't come very often, a lot of hard work goes into them. Got taken away by the moment, I've had so much support, the crowd has been excellent. It's been unbelievable."

Khawaja's last appearance for Australia in Test cricket came in the fourth match of the 2019 Ashes at Headingley.

Since then, plenty of water has passed under the bridge.

Covid-19 turned the world into a very different place, as did the arrival of his first child. Now, his wife Rachel - who was in the stands at the MCG on Thursday to cheer him on - is pregnant once more.

Khawaja credited his wife Rachel for supporting him during his absence from the Australia team (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

"Never take anything for granted," was the messages Khawaja wanted to pass on after play.

"I've put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes that people don't see," he said. "I've had a lot of support from my family, my parents, in particular my wife.

"I joke around with the boys about my past and where I've come from…but I'm quite serious. I am living the Australian dream. My parents came over here from Pakistan to give my family a better life.

"I'm representing Australia in our national sport and it's something that I absolutely love doing.

"I've gone through a lot of hard times, broken down a lot of barriers to get to where I am, and think at some level people can relate to that and I love them for it. The love I got out here today is something special, something I'll never forget."

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