Jason Gillespie is right. Usman Khawaja played the race card at the wrong time

“These are the same racial stereotypes I have [dealing with] my whole life,” Khawaja said. “I thought the media and former players had put that behind us.”

No name was mentioned, but I’m sure I was one of the reporters Khawaja was referring to. I don’t know him personally, but I have great respect for everything he has accomplished on and off the field.

I also reject any suggestion that my reporting, or that of my colleagues in the press box, has racist undertones. We were doing our job. The scrutiny would be the same for every cricketer, regardless of their background.

Khawaja seems to believe that commentators think more about his ethnicity than they actually do. As for trolls on social media, that’s a completely separate topic. Khawaja is being subjected to truly horrific attacks on the internet and it is wrong.

Here are the facts from Perth. Khawaja trained as usual ahead of the first Test. He also played three rounds of golf in the three days before the first Test. Other players also played golf.

Khawaja did not train the day before the Test. This is normal. It is not normal for Travis Head, who is out of form, to choose to bat on the eve of the match.

Whether playing three rounds of golf in three days is too much is subjective and beside the point. A current Australian Test cricketer’s personal coach has told his player not to play golf at all. Everyone has the right to prepare for the match as they see fit.

This became a problem when Khawaja collapsed due to back spasms and was forced to bat at No. 4 on the first day of the series, just when Australia needed an opening batsman.

Khawaja’s back worsened, he was unable to open the batting in the second innings and did not play in the second Test.

“This was something I couldn’t control,” Khawaja said Friday. “It wasn’t even about my performances. It was a very personal thing. It was about my preparation.”

I also enjoy golf and play it often. But when you cannot fulfill your primary role, you open yourself up to criticism.

Back spasms are often due to inflammation and overuse. Without adequate rest, back muscles can become fatigued.

Khawaja insists golf had nothing to do with his back injury. It may be true. But he cannot be sure of this; just as he cannot be sure that questions about his preparation carry racist overtones.

“It doesn’t look good from the outside,” wrote former Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson. Western Australia In that case. “I think Khawaja’s teammates who don’t spend much time on the golf course might not be understanding either.”

Any elite athlete in Australia who does the same will be scrutinized. If Mitchell Starc or any other Australian player has played multiple rounds of golf and failed on day one of the Ashes, you can be sure the same questions will be asked in their preparations.

Khawaja may think otherwise. But suggesting that race plays a role sets back those who are trying to conduct these discussions fairly.

Khawaja said there were “countless” examples of players playing golf and then getting injured, and “even more” examples of players drinking “15 beers” the night before a game and then getting injured.

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I’m looking forward to those who quote it. There would certainly be coverage, but journalists don’t hide in the bushes on golf courses.

Khawaja also suggested that the reason he “nailed it” at the beginning of the summer was because he spoke about social issues.

Expressing strong opinions on social issues does not exempt an athlete from legitimate questions regarding their preparation, performance or results.

The most measured comment came from Gillespie.

“I don’t question the racism Usman has faced throughout his life,” he told ABC Sport. “I actually always admired him and applauded him for speaking out because racism is a huge stain on our society and it always needs to be called out.

“He referenced racism when talking about the criticism he had received. “A number of former players have come forward and quite rightly questioned whether this was happening. [playing golf] It was the best possible preparation.

“Being questioned about it and being held accountable for your choices, that’s not bullying, it’s not harassment, that’s all part of being a professional. You can’t really throw a tantrum when you’re asked to take responsibility for the job you’re paid to do.”

“I think the media in this area have been very consistent throughout the Ashes series. They have constantly questioned the preparation of the England side. I don’t see how this is any different.”

“Usman also stated that he has been called lazy his entire life. I have never seen anything said or written by anyone in the media about Usman being lazy, so I’m not sure where this is coming from.”

As Khawaja embarks on a media career in which he will be paid for his views and expected to call things his way, he may want to reflect on his final words.

Or at least call Gillespie.