Australia batsman Usman Khawaja has opened up about the role religion has played in his stunning rise over the past eight months.
Khawaja has gone from strength to strength since being recalled for last year's Gabba Test.
The gifted left-hander posted four Test tons in 2015-16, dominated the Big Bash League with Sydney Thunder then was Australia's leading run-scorer at the World Twenty20.
Further runs are expected from Khawaja in the upcoming ODI tri-series, which starts at 3am AEST on Monday when Australia face West Indies in Guyana.
Khawaja has adopted a level-headed approach to his rise and rise, regularly attributing the hot form to a relaxed mindset that wasn't present in the early phase of his career.
The 29-year-old's Muslim faith, a topic he has rarely discussed publicly in depth, has been pivotal.
"The No.1 most important thing in my life is religion. That comes first and that helps me with everything else - and cricket is included," Khawaja said.
"The game can be quite tough at times and stressful and emotional ... I pray. That's what keeps me centred.
"I haven't become any more religious. I think I've just found a happy medium in terms of religion helping me with life in general."
Khawaja suggested the death of Phillip Hughes and a serious knee injury, both in 2014, put the sport in perspective.
"You just sort of learn to let go a little bit," he said.
"When I first came into the Australian team I wanted to make such a good impression and to do so much and so well, which is normal for a young kid.
"I'm just more relaxed about it all. What's meant to be is meant to be."
Khawaja faces stiff competition from David Warner and Aaron Finch at the top of the order during this month's tri-series against West Indies and South Africa.
Fasting during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which starts next week, will also be a challenge.
"I'll be trying to fast on days off and hopefully some travel days, but not match days," Khawaja said.
"That's too hard .. I've even spoken to Hashim (Amla) about that and he was like 'Nah, no chance'."
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