Ashes 2023: "He Was Very Much Like Steve Smith," Kumar Sangakkara Hails Usman Khawaja For His Marathon Knock At Edgbaston

Published - 19 Jun 2023, 12:49 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:15 AM

Usman Khawaja {PC: Getty}

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara lauded Australia opener Usman Khawaja for his magnificent ton in the ongoing first Test of the Ashes 2023 against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham. He correlated him with Steve Smith and said that he was impressed by his patience.

Usman Khawaja continued his golden touch in Tests as he played an exceptional knock in the ongoing first Test of the Ashes 2023 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. In reply to England’s total of 393 runs, Australia lost wickets early and was under quite pressure.

But their crisis man Usman Khawaja yet again stood tall for them and played a magnificent innings to bring his side back into the game. The opening batter soaked in all the pressure and batted for hours, showing great grit and determination and playing some fantastic shots.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: WATCH – Joe Root Acknowledges Usman Khawaja Following His Magnificent 141-Run Knock; Gives A Pat On His Back After His Dismissal

Usman Khawaja carved his way to the magnificent century, his first in England. The Australian opener batted for 321 balls and ended with a score of 141 runs. His knock made sure that his side get close to England’s total.

Kumar Sangakkara said that he was impressed with Usman Khawaja’s patience and when was in his zone he looked like Steve Smith and will be an important batter going into the series. He explained:

“He was very much like Steve Smith when he got into that zone – the inner concentration where he set up for a big one. I was impressed with his patience and how he played Moeen, taking the attack to the off-spinner. His defence was impressive against pace and spin and he will be another important batter for Australia.”

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “Thanks Heady For Giving Me The Opportunity” – Usman Khawaja On Replacing Travis Head In Sydney Test In Ashes 2021-22 Season

Ashes 2023: “I guess it was just a bit more emotional than normal,” says Usman Khawaja on his celebration

After getting his ton, Usman Khawaja was quite animated with his celebrations as he roared in joy and also threw his bat in emotions. He spoke up about his gestures and said that it was an emotional moment for him as he has been often reading that he can’t play in England. He said:

“I think it was a culmination of three Ashes tours to England and being dropped on two of them. I don’t read the media, but when I’m getting sprayed in the nets and getting sprayed when I’m walking out there that I can’t bat in England, I guess it was just a bit more emotional than normal.” He concluded.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: Stuart Broad Terms Day 2 Pitch At Edgbaston As ‘Slow And Characterless’