The first anniversary of fallen friend Phillip Hughes' death has provided injured Australian batsman Usman Khawaja much-needed perspective on the Test comeback trail.
Khawaja confirmed on Wednesday he would fast-track his Boxing Day Test claims in the whirlwind Big Bash League (BBL) after overcoming yet another injury.
He admitted it was a tough pill to swallow to break down last month with the hamstring complaint just as he had established himself in the Australian batting line-up - especially after coming back from an eight-month knee injury.
But Khawaja said Friday's anniversary of ex-teammate Hughes' tragic death had kept his frustration in check.
"It's not a fun road. It's a bit of a pain in the backside," said Khawaja, who broke down in the second Test against New Zealand in Perth.
"I was just disappointed. I was having a lot of fun playing Test cricket.
"(But) it is nowhere near as bad as my knee and obviously everything that happened last week, it being one year since Hughesy's anniversary too, it also puts it in perspective.
"It could be a lot worse so I'm grateful for where I am.
"I've been through a couple of bad things the last year or so. Hopefully it's all smooth sailing from here on."
After enduring another injury nightmare, Khawaja is keen to realise a dream and play his first Boxing Day Test in Melbourne this month against the West Indies.
Shaun Marsh is expected to be under pressure to make way for a fit Khawaja while there has also been speculation opener Joe Burns might be sweating on his Test spot.
Khawaja said he was ahead of schedule with his recovery and hoped to launch his comeback in the BBL from December 17 for the Sydney Thunder.
But he did not expect to be fast-tracked into the second Test line-up against the Windies at the MCG.
"I haven't played a Boxing Day Test yet," said Khawaja, who struck 174 and 121 in the first two Tests against New Zealand this summer before breaking down.
"So, I'd love to play. But it's three or four weeks away and a lot can happen between now and then.
"If they (selectors) want to pick me, they will pick me - I just have to put my hand up and make sure I am fit."
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