Usman Khawaja says ‘he’s always been a professional’ as he hit back at critics over his golf game prior to his back spasms, as he remains determined to work his way back into the Test frame.

The left-hander, who suffered debilitating back spasms during the series opener, then sat out the day-night Test, remains unsure whether selectors will rush him into the XI.

However, Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday, has no thoughts of retirement, claiming he is 100 per cent fit as he again refuted claims he came into the first Test underdone after playing three days of golf and had spoken with Cricket Australia after claiming the Perth wicket was a “piece of s***t.”

“[On] the golf one, [it’s] not really important to me what other people say. I’ve always been a professional,” Khawaja told The Age.

“I felt 100 before the Perth Test. It’s just one of those things; I’ve done everything.

“The wicket one was not really a big issue for me. I talked to Todd [Greenberg] about it, like adults, and it was all sorted. I think it was more of an issue for the media and everyone else, if I’m being truly honest, but it’s all resolved, no issues.

“Certain things probably do [affect me], certain things probably don’t. I get told more from vibes of what other people have read. It’s not like I go out reading things, it’s the vibe. Then sometimes things just pop up and you can’t hide from it, absolutely. Certain things do and don’t [affect me], but I don’t see the relevance in talking about it.”

Khawaja’s only road back into the team had seemingly been at the top of the order, which looked decidedly rocky given how new opening pair Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have fared.

“Normally people that open aren’t as attuned to No.5 as opening because they’re not as good at playing spin. But I’ve proven I’m one of the best players of spin in Australia.

“My subcontinent record is one of the best ever for Australia, so that’s never been the issue. I can bat anywhere.”

Khawaja, who has a golden chance to help retain the urn with victory in the third Test if recalled, highlighted the running, batting and gym work he did as Australia cruised to victory in Brisbane.

“When you get injured, you have to do more, right? If I wasn’t injured, I could have just gone on Contiki for a week and just chilled,” he quipped.

“Obviously hope to play. I don’t really know. I haven’t really had a chat too much with the selectors.

“It’s not my decision. The older I’ve got, the more comfortable I’ve got with things that I can control and things that I can’t. I feel really good in terms of I’m ready to go.”

But coach Andrew McDonald floated the prospect of Khawaja batting in the middle order after Australia took a 2-0 series lead.

The veteran has played the vast majority of his 85-Test career in the top three, with two innings at No.4, two at No.5 and three at No.6.

Ironically, those two knocks at No.5 came in the 2021-22 Ashes, when he was recalled from Test exile because Head contracted COVID-19 and was an enforced omission.

Khawaja delivered twin tons at the SCG, entrenching himself in the team.

Regardless of how the next few weeks unfold, this is widely expected to be Khawaja’s last summer in the Test squad.

The Pakistan-born star, who graduated through Sydney grade cricket ranks then made his Test debut against England at the SCG in 2011, remains coy.

“If people want to talk about farewell Tests or whatever, that’s got no relevance to me,” Khawaja said.

“I could have retired two years ago. I could have retired at any time. But I’m still valued by the team, so I’m here.

“And I’m always mindful of the future too. I always have been, I’m not here to hang around ... I’m just here to enjoy my cricket.

“As long as I’m valued, I’m here. I’m doing my job. And I’ve done quite well over the last few years.”