David Warner was controversially named Player of the three-Test Series against South Africa which Usman Khawaja said came as a genuine surprise to his opening partner.
Warner was awarded the accolade after he amassed 213 runs at an average of 53.25; 200 of which came in the one innings at the MCG.
Despite the outcry over Travis Head and Pat Cummins not receiving the honour, Khawaja said Warner has taken it all in stride and has seen the lighter side of his award.
“Davey came out and said that it was an absolute joke,” Khawaja said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“It’s just one of those things.
“Davey had an amazing game last week, he got 200 and South Africa didn’t get 200 in the first innings and just got to 200 in the second innings.
“A small series like that, it was hard to give someone the player of the series.
“Even he (Warner) was taking the mickey out of himself.”
Khawaja has admitted his disappointment at missing out on a maiden double-century during the Third Test in Sydney but said his focus is always on ensuring the team is in a position to win the match.
Khawaja was left stranded on 195* as Australia declared on their first innings total of 4/475 declared after rain forced Pat Cummins to pursue an unlikely victory against South Africa.
Khawaja, who was named Player of the Match for his knock, said that he isn’t concerned about individual achievements.
“I love the team element (of playing cricket),” Khawaja said.
“My favourite part of cricket is when you’re in the changerooms with the boys and taking the mickey out of each other.
“I remember those moments more than anything else.
“Cricket is a sport of individuals but you are trying to win a game for your team and (there’s no point) if you’re not doing that.
“Up until I was about 25, I was very self-focused and I just wanted to get runs.
“Big things happened in my career and in my life and it just made me realise that the most important thing always is what the team needs from me.
“As a cricketer, individual milestones are awesome but if you’re not winning cricket games and doing what’s right for your team, you’re probably not playing the game the right way.”
Khawaja ended the 2022/23 summer with 378 runs at an average of 54 including two fifties and one majestic hundred.
Khawaja is set to play for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash before attention turns to the highly anticipated series against India which begins on February 9.