NEW DELHI: In an Ashes Test match that kept fans on the edge of their seats from the first ball to the nerve-jangling climax, Australia opener Usman Khawaja stood out as a beacon of composure amidst the chaos. His contribution played a vital role in Australia’s two-wicket victory over England at Edgbaston.
Khawaja, known for his traditional approach, showcased the enduring value of old-fashioned virtues in the modern game.With a magnificent century in the first innings and a patient knock in the second, the Pakistan-born batsman demonstrated his class and resilience.
“Aussie skipper Pat Cummins grabbed the headlines with a masterful 44 not out… but without deserved man-of-the-match Khawaja, Australia would have been bounced out by England’s ‘Bazball‘,” cricket experts reported.
The 36-year-old played a pivotal role throughout the Test match, spending an astonishing 796 minutes at the crease, facing 518 deliveries, and barely offering any chances to the opposition. His composed presence provided a stark contrast to the mayhem unfolding around him.
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Cummins the hero as Australia edge England in Ashes thriller
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<p>Australia captain Pat Cummins led his side to a dramatic two-wicket win over England in the first Test at Edgbaston on Tuesday.<br /></p>
<p>The Ashes holders were 209/7, still 72 runs shy of a victory target of 281, when fast bowler Cummins came in to bat after first-innings century-maker Usman Khawaja fell for a painstaking 65.</p>
<p>And after Alex Carey was out to leave Australia 227/8, the tourists still required another 54 more runs with Nathan Lyon the new batsman.<br /></p>
<p>But Cummins-Lyon’s unbroken stand of 55 saw Australia home in a match to rival the tension of England’s two-run win in a celebrated 2005 Ashes clash at Edgbaston.<br /></p>
<p>Cummins, who finished on 44 not out, hit the winning boundary when he edged Ollie Robinson to third man where a diving Harry Brook knocked the ball over the rope.<br /></p>
<p>Lyon, whose missed run out contributed to England’s stunning one-wicket win at Headingley in the drawn 2019 Ashes series in England, was 16 not out.<br /></p>
<p>Victory left World Test champions Australia 1-0 up in the five-match series as they bid for a first Ashes campaign win in England in 22 years.<br /></p>
<p>This was just England’s third defeat in 14 Tests under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.<br /></p>
<p>England were left to rue a series of missed chances throughout the match, none more so than when Lyon was dropped on just two by Stokes at square leg.<br /></p>
<p>After Tuesday’s morning session was washed out by rain, Australia resumed on 107/3 with veteran seamer Broad having removed Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith late on Monday’s fourth day.<br /></p>
<p>But Khawaja was still there on 34 not out as the 36-year-old opener became only the second Australian, after Kim Hughes at Lord’s in 1980, to bat on all five days of a Test.<br /></p>
<p>Australia reached tea at 183/5, but were quickly reduced to 192/6 when Robinson had all-rounder Cameron Green (28) chopping on to end a stand of 49 with Khawaja.<br /></p>
<p>Stokes struck when he had Khawaja, who made 141 in Australia’s first innings, chopping on to end a 197-ball stay.<br /></p>
<p>Cummins, however, reignited Australia’s pursuit by launching Root for two straight sixes before finishing the job himself.<br /></p>
Cummins, appreciating Khawaja’s contribution, said, “He showed incredible composure in both innings… He has been a class player… I’m really happy for him.”
Khawaja’s poise and diligence proved to be a significant factor in Australia’s triumph. Speaking about his approach, he said, “When you’re playing and you’re in, you’re fine… This has definitely got to be one of my favourite Test matches I’ve ever played in.”
Despite England’s aggressive tactics and suffocating bowling, Australia remained calm and resolute, ultimately securing a crucial victory. Cummins remarked, “Both teams spoke a lot about playing your own style… Two contrasting styles, playing to our strengths, and that made for great entertainment.”
The thrilling climax of the match saw chants of ‘boring boring Aussies’ from the crowd as Australia’s chase stalled temporarily. However, their unwavering determination and ability to seize opportunities propelled them to victory.
The first Ashes Test match served as a testament to the enduring value of composure and skill in the face of unpredictable cricket dynamics. As the series progresses, Usman Khawaja’s composed presence at the crease will continue to be a valuable asset for Australia, inspiring his teammates and captivating fans worldwide.
(With inputs from Reuters)
