Test cricket, the longest form of the sport, has produced numerous outstanding Australian cricketers over the years.
While some had lengthy careers marked by astounding performances, others had equally impressive careers but left the cricket world earlier than anticipated. Surprisingly, some players who believed their Test careers were over have been able to make a comeback after experiencing a turbulent voyage.
In that moment of despair, a glimmer of hope surfaces when one realises that there have been legends in the game whose contributions are still remembered and who inspire players to continue enjoying the game and make a comeback against all odds. Usman Khawaja is a talented Australian player who springs to mind when discussing such players.
Notably, Khawaja has participated in 61 Tests for Australia, where he has averaged a respectable 46.95 with a highest score of 195 not out. However, he has remained injury-prone, with a knee injury representing his greatest career obstacle. In addition, he appeared rusty with the bat, his best form concealed by gloomy clouds. Despite this, the man has made significant progress. Usman Khawaja believes he is the most ‘dropped athlete’ in Australia.
“I would like to state that I am one of the most dropped performers in history. Still, I believed I was one of the top six batsmen in the nation. I was like, ‘All fine, cool. In an interview with The Guardian, Khawaja stated, “I’ve played 44 Tests, which is a great deal more than most people.”
In addition, he reflected on the fourth Ashes Test of 2021–22, which was played in Sydney. In a rather unexpected turn of events, the COVID-19-affected phase of the Australian opener’s life turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Travis Head was disqualified from the test due to a positive drug test. Usman Khawaja was subsequently recalled to the team, and he seized the opportunity with both hands. Notable is the fact that the Pakistani-born Southpaw achieved consecutive centuries of 137 and 101.
Usman Khwaja has endured a miserable ICC World Test Championship Final.
The Australian opener had a forgettable beginning to the ICC World Test Championship 2023 Final, as he was out for a single after ten balls in the first inning. In the second innings, when the pitch became flatter for the batsmen, Khawaja attempted to occupy the crease for a while in order to get his eyes in. He failed to establish himself in the second inning (13 runs off 39 deliveries), so Umesh Yadav dismissed him.
Meanwhile, after four days of arduous Test cricket, the battle for the Test mace has reached its final day. Australia’s first-inning batting performance was impressive, as they scored 469 runs. India recovered from a top-order collapse to conclude with a respectable 296 runs.
Then, in the second inning, Indian bowlers bowled aggressively to restrict Australia, but the lower middle order ensured that Australia would set India a mammoth 444-run target. After recovering from early setbacks in the form of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, India gave themselves an opportunity to chase history on the final day despite needing 280 runs. On the final day, however, after the departures of Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, Australia raced through the Indian batting order to win their first WTC final title by a staggering 209 runs.
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