Khawaja's background is relevant
On Sunday, Usman Khawaja will become the first Muslim to represent Australia at cricket
Dustin Silgardo
25-Feb-2013
On Sunday, Usman Khawaja will become the first Muslim to represent Australia at cricket. His selection is a sign that barriers are being broken down in Australian cricket, which has been largely mono-cultured, says Peter Roebuck in the Sydney Morning Herald. Roebuck shares some excerpts from an interview the Herald did with Khawaja when he was playing for New South Wales Second XI.
Inescapably, Khawaja's background is relevant. Indeed it is a cause for celebration. It is not so long ago that a youngster of his colour and conviction might have found his path to the top blocked. Even now tensions endure as caricatures persist. Simply by attending to his own affairs, Khawaja will help to break them down.
Dustin Silgardo is a former sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo