There’s no love lost between Usman Khawaja and Ollie Robinson. After a delayed start to the fifth day’s play of the first Test of Ashes 2023, the duo exchanged words during the drinks break with James Anderson playing the role of peacemaker as he pulled Robinson away.
Khawaja and Robinson were at each other’s throats, especially after the filth-laden sendoff the England pacer had given the Aussie opener in the first innings.
Earlier in the Test, Robinson appeared to shout “f*** off, you f***ing p***k” at Khawaja after bowling him on day three, and defended his reaction at stumps.
“I think when you’re in the heat of the moment and you have the passion of the Ashes, that can happen. We’ve all seen Ricky Ponting, other Aussies do the same to us. Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it’s not received well. I don’t really care how it’s perceived, to be honest. It’s the Ashes. It’s professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?” he had said at stumps.
While Alex Carey, the wicketkeeper for Australia, said that the celebration had not been noted in the away camp, Robinson received criticism for it, particularly in the Australian media.
“That’s Why You’re Not A Batsman”- Ollie Robinson To Usman Khawaja
On the fifth day of play in the second session, as the players moved towards their teammates for the drinks break after play was delayed due to rain, the two players got into a heated argument that continued throughout the second innings.
The final over before the break had been bowled by Robinson, with its last ball full but left alone by Khawaja.
“Freebie, isn’t it?” Robinson said. “Half volley, field up? In the rough mate,” responded Khawaja.
“That’s why you’re not a batsman. Nice to see you say something,” came Robinson’s response.
“Be careful what you say, mate,” said Khawaja.
As things got tense between the two players, veteran pacer James Anderson had to play pacemaker and take his teammate away from the centre of the action.
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— Octopus Yadav (@OctopusYadav) June 20, 2023