'I Understand Why People Enjoy Watching it But..'- Usman Khawaja's Bold Take On Bazball
Usman Khawaja slammed a fine hundred on day 2 [Source: AP]
Australian opener Usman Khawaja acknowledged that he had been captivated by the entertaining cricket played by England's 'Bazball'. Still, he emphasised that the manner of winning a Test match doesn't ultimately matter.
Following England's bold declaration on the first day of the ongoing Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Australia responded strongly with the bat, led by opener Usman Khawaja. The gritty southpaw broke his England jinx by smashing a magnificent century, putting Australia slightly ahead in the opening match.
It was a memorable day for Khawaja as he notched up his 15th Test century, his first in England, during the ongoing 1st Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The 36-year-old cricketer experienced England's contrasting approach over the first two days of the match. Initially, he witnessed England's aggressive batting while fielding, with shots like Joe Root's reverse lap and Harry Brook's attacking strokes.
Khawaja acknowledged the entertainment value of such batting. However, he emphasized that in Test cricket, the manner of victory is inconsequential, and the focus should be on trying to win. Regardless of the outcome, whether England or Australia emerge as the winners, the approach taken will not be a significant factor.
"It's hard not to get taken away by it. The way they batted yesterday was pretty entertaining, even for someone like me who was on the field. Some of the shots were really entertaining. [Joe Root] reverse-lapping them, [Harry Brook] charging down and hitting over the top of cover."
"It's great to watch, I understand why people enjoy watching it but doesn't matter how you win in Test cricket it's all about trying to win. Whether they win or we win at the end of this Test, no one will care how you did it, whether you scored at six an over, whether you scored at three an over. This is why a Test match is a beautiful game. You have to do things your way. I've learned that over a long career," said Khawaja as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.
At the end of the second day, Khawaja remained unbeaten on 126 off 279 balls, featuring 14 boundaries and two sixes. He has formed a solid partnership of 91 runs for the sixth wicket with Alex Carey, who is unbeaten on 52. Australia currently trails England by 82 runs with five wickets remaining.
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