Ashes 2021-22: Pretty Hard To Look Past Usman Khawaja For Fifth Test - Pat Cummins
Updated - 09 Jan 2022, 06:59 PM
Australian captain Pat Cummins insisted that he would find it extremely hard to leave out Usman Khawaja if he was a selector, considering the latter’s brilliant twin centuries on return to Test cricket.
Khawaja scored 137 and 101* in the two innings of the SCG Test and was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match trophy. Although Australia couldn’t close out the match, Khawaja certainly made a telling statement.
“I’ll preface this by saying I’m not a selector, but for someone who made 200 in a Test match it’s pretty hard to go past them a week after. So we’ll work through that over the next few days … the way Uzzie played is fantastic.“
“I guess that’s why he was picked as a spare batter originally. We felt as if he could replace anyone from No.1-6 really well. I know there’s been questions historically about him playing in Asia but you see how well he’s played spin recently. Reverse sweeping, sweeping. He’s someone in total command of his game and that’s why we love his experience, ” Cummins said.
Bit less weather might have got us there – Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins also reckoned that the team would have made it four wins out of four if the weather was a bit favourable. The first day saw over 45 overs being washed out while there was also a delayed start to Day 4’s proceedings due to rain.
“Great game of Test cricket. We got close. Bit less weather might have got us there. Obviously would’ve loved 4-0, but good match. The forecasts are hopeless, I learned that this week. Getting close to 400, I felt we needed that. The wicket wasn’t playing too many tricks. And I thought there was enough time,” Cummins said at the post-match presentation.
The thrilling draw has ensured that England doesn’t suffer the ignominy of a 5-0 Ashes whitewash. The fifth and final Test will be played in Hobart.
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Pat Cummins Usman Khawaja
