USMAN Khawaja calls them his arch-nemesis.

Rising star ... NSW batsman Usman Khawaja at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

Not the frustrated pace bowler hunting for his wicket, but airport security.

The 23-year-old run chaser last faced his nemesis three months ago, when chosen for Australia's squad for the two-Test tour in England against the country of his birth, Pakistan.

"The trip started well," Khawaja said. "I had everything packed and arrived early at the airport and checked in all my baggage with no hassles.

Khawaja's name may be every bit the tongue twister, but it's definitely the name on the Australian selectors' lips right now.

Former Test batsman Mark Waugh reckons he should be chosen ahead of Michael Hussey for the Ashes. Former Test quick Damien Fleming is also a massive fan.

And it was here, living less than a cover drive from the SCG, that the seed for Khawaja's flourishing cricket career was first planted.

"We lived there for about six years and that was a really tiny two-bedroom place. My mum and dad had their room and me and my two brothers shared a tiny bedroom with two bunks," Khawaja said.

"My dad didn't have a lot of money so we didn't have the ability to go out and watch cricket games," he said.

It was the type of knock that told Mark Waugh that Khawaja was ready for the big time.

"I'm in the team to score runs and to take catches and if I can do that for my team, help them win games, and so then if my time comes, I'll be ready."