Usman Khawaja – a real-life pilot who takes the Aussie Test side to new heights

Australia edged out England in a dramatic chase on the final day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, thanks to captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon's resilience with the bat.

Australia's Player of the Test was opening batsman Usman Khawaja, who faced 518 balls and became only the 13th player to bat every day of a Test match.

After England declared on the opening day, Khawaja was the focal point of the Aussies' attack, remaining unbeatable and finishing on 140 not out to build the Aussies a decent score.

His 66 and Pat Cummin's 44 on the final day were enough to see the Aussies take the victory in just over 90 overs of play.

The Australian opening batsman spent 796 minutes at the crease, the second longest any Australian has batted in a Test match, behind Mark Taylor's 938 minutes against Pakistan in 1998.

Khawaja has been flying with the bat in the opening Ashes encounter, but that's not the only thing he's been flying.

Here's a look at Usman Khawaja's secret life as a pilot!

Before making his debut for Australia in 2011, Usman Khawaja got his bachelor's degree in aviation as a commercial and instrument-rated pilot.

Picture – YouTube @Sports Tak

The Australian star attained his aviation license before even learning to drive a car and has been seen taking control of an Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger plane.

Picture – YouTube @Sports Tak

According to catchnews.com, Khawaja said: "As I was coming towards the end, year 11-12, I thought: 'What about flying.' I found the University of New South Wales - School of Aviation, which offered both a degree to make my mother happy and get my license to get my wings."

"There are a lot of things that go hand in hand between flying and especially playing Test cricket. The discipline part of flying and discipline of being a sportsman."

Khawaja's flying experience and discipline has been the key to his success as a batsman, outlasting the overloading pressure of the England bowling attack.

While many athletes struggle to find their way in society post-career, it's safe to say Khawaja has his future career taking care of when he finally retires.

The opening batter is the first Muslim to play for Australia and believes his success and resilience are down to his belief in God.

According to theguardian.com, Khawaja said: "People talk about my resilience, but my resilience revolves around my faith. It is the only thing that has got me through being dropped that often. I would not be here where I am right now without it."

The Aussies will hope Khawaja can continue to build on his resilience as they prepare for the Ashes second Test, starting at Lords on the 28^th of June.