Usman Khawaja slams 'false' remarks over missing Shield game

Australian Test opener Usman Khawaja has strongly rebuffed "inflammatory" and "categorically untrue" remarks made by Queensland's head of cricket, Joe Dawes, after he missed a crucial Sheffield Shield match.

The 38-year-old did not feature in Queensland's clash with South Australia last week, which saw the team secure a spot in the final of the domestic red-ball competition. Instead, Khawaja travelled to Melbourne to attend the Australian Grand Prix.

Dawes criticised the veteran batsman, claiming that Queensland's medical staff had indicated Khawaja was available for selection.

"Our medical staff said all the way through he has been available for selection," Dawes had said earlier this week. "No hamstring issues as far as we are concerned. It's just disappointing he didn't play when he had the opportunity."

In response, Khawaja called a press conference on Friday to set the record straight. He explained that he had been managing an ongoing hamstring issue under a plan agreed upon with Cricket Australia's medical staff and chief selector, George Bailey.

"I was really disappointed by Joe Dawes' comments," Khawaja said. "He claimed the medical staff had no idea about my hamstring injury, but that is 100 percent wrong. I've been in constant contact with our physios, including the Australian physio. Everyone knew about it."

Khawaja, who is contracted to Cricket Australia, emphasised that he had received permission from the governing body to attend the Grand Prix.

"I can either go home and rest or I can go watch F1," Khawaja said. "I still look after my body. It's no coincidence that I'm 38 and still playing at the top level."

Queensland are set to face South Australia again in the Shield final next week, with Khawaja hoping to be fit for selection.