Usman Khawaja defends his ‘bum-grab’ act, says it was ‘consensual’

Even as the entire team stood arm-in-arm to sing the national anthem ahead of ODI against New Zealand, Khawaja was busy poking Zampa from behind in what has been termed as the 'bum-grab' act.

Australia’s latest batting sensation Usman Khawaja, who was recently caught on camera giving his teammate Adam Zampa a unique welcome during the national anthem on his debut match, has defended his act saying it was ‘consensual’.

The incident happened during the recently concluded Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, where prior to a match the team was participating in the customary national anthem. Even as the entire team stood arm-in-arm to sing the anthem, Khawaja was busy poking Zampa from behind in what has been termed as the ‘bum-grab’ act.

The incident, which was captured on camera by a fan, went viral on social media. Sensing that he was garnering criticism, Khawaja then took to his Twitter account to clear his stand by replying to a couple of tweets. He wrote:“Oh boy. Didn’t realise there were cameras filming from behind. It was all consensual. Just having a joke with the debutant.”

@MiguelDSouza @Streamable hahaha oh boy. Didn’t realize there were cameras filming from behind. @zamps63

— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) February 9, 2016

@MiguelDSouza @zamps63 haha it was all consensual. Just having a joke with the debutant. #playon

— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) February 10, 2016

Khawaja has been in tremendous form of late and has been rewarded for his consistent performance with inclusion in Australia’s squad for ICC World T20 that begins next month. The poor guy Zampa, who was at the receiving end, has also found a place in the squad.