Former teammate 'proud' of bold Khawaja stance

Usman Khawaja did what he does best on Boxing Day – score runs for his country and stand up for what he believes in.

The 37-year-old has been at the centre of a stand-off with the ICC over the past fortnight, with his attempts to show solidarity towards a number of humanitarian issues blocked by the governing body.

Khawaja was outspoken in the lead-up to Australia's second Test against Pakistan, after being told he wasn't allowed to wear shoes that read "all lives are equal" in Perth and also being sanctioned for wearing a black armband in the series opener and denied the chance to have a dove sticker on his bat.

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On the biggest day of the cricket summer on Tuesday, Khawaja opted to don the names of his two daughters on his shoes – a far safer option in the eyes of the ICC.

According to former teammate Michael Hussey however, his stance should be applauded.

Hussey admitted his pride at seeing Khawaja show his true colours on the world stage.

"I think his real authentic self is coming out," he told media upon being inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.

"This is who he is. He's very passionate in his beliefs and his morals and his values. He's not afraid to put them out there.

"I'm quite proud of him, actually. I don't think he's trying to be divisive or political or anything like that.

"I respect what he's done. He's got to follow the rules that are set by the ICC, but he certainly is sticking true to what he believes in.

"That's the sort of guy he is, and certainly [has been] throughout his whole career."

Hussey and Khawaja played together sporadically in the Test arena, as well as featuring for the Sydney Thunder for a number of seasons, including their only successful BBL title triumph.

After moving to Australia from Pakistan at a young age, Khawaja would overcome plenty of adversity to rise through the ranks and has now become one of the country's most popular players.

"You've got to remember this guy would have faced a lot of challenges in his career here in Australia growing up," Hussey said.

"Things have changed a lot in the last probably five to 10 years.

"For him to come through and feel like he's confident enough to share his beliefs, I think is so critical."

Khawaja was dismissed for 42 from 101 deliveries after the lunch break against Pakistan.