Usman Khawaja Reveals Secret Behind India Success

Sep 3, 2018 at 9:18 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
Usman Khawaja Reveals Secret Behind India Success

A crunch 127 by Usman Khawaja on day one of Australia A’s first-class match against India A in Bengaluru shut down all talks of the batters inability to perform in the subcontinent. It was his maiden first-class ton in India. The left-hander was part of the IPL and he has spent a good amount of time in India.

Australia’s batsmen Steve Smith (L) and Usman Khawaja take runs from the England bowling on the second day of the fifth Ashes cricket Test match at the SCG in Sydney on January 5, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / William WEST / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

“I’ve been here a lot,” Khawaja said after play. “I haven’t played Tests, but I’ve played a few tour games, played in the nets, in the IPL. It’s always rewarding when you do well in different conditions. Once you get in, it’s actually a nice wicket. The outfield’s lightning. But I think as the game gets on, it’ll get tougher and tougher. But it’s always nice to get runs on the subcontinent because it’s never easy.” he added.

Ashes 2017-18, Brisbane Test, Australia Players Rating, Steven Smith
Usman Khawaja faces heat after struggling against spin. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Khawaja turns the tide against spin

The batter used his feet well against spinners and played the sweep fine. Indian ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav was a part of the India A XI, and even he failed to scalp Khawaja’s stick. He was finally removed by pacer Mohammad Siraj. The Indian pacer went on to bag eight wickets in the innings to partially spoil Khawaja’s party.

Ashes 2017-18, Steven Smith, Responds, Usman Khawaja, Suggestion, Cricket Australia, Asia, Selection Policy
Khawaja is in contention for the Ashes campaign. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Khawaja also said that while he was in England, he batted on spin-friendly wickets in county cricket. The southpaw said he was comfortable batting and that it helped him borrow a positive mindset. “I had a few wickets in England that were quite spin friendly when I was over there for county cricket, and it felt really comfortable over there, just giving myself options to score and having a positive mindset.” he explained. With Australia set to play a 2-match Test series in UAE, Khawaja’s fresh guard could well help him seal a birth and prove himself against spin at the international level.

Related Article
Maxwell got me at Lord’s, its good to get him back, says Jofra Archer
Maxwell got me at Lord’s, its good to get him back, says Jofra Archer

Jul 12, 2019, 12:00 PM


Waqar Younis takes a dig at India’s heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals
Waqar Younis takes a dig at India’s heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals

Jul 12, 2019, 11:22 AM


Michael Vaughan mocks Virat Kohli as India crashes out of the World Cup
Michael Vaughan mocks Virat Kohli as India crashes out of the World Cup

Jul 12, 2019, 10:48 AM


It will take Rohit Sharma some time to overcome the loss: Tendulkar
It will take Rohit Sharma some time to overcome the loss: Tendulkar

Jul 12, 2019, 10:47 AM


Alex Carey in blood after being hit by a lethal bouncer from Jofra Archer
Alex Carey in blood after being hit by a lethal bouncer from Jofra Archer

Jul 11, 2019, 5:22 PM


Virat Kohli reveals his animated discussion with Ravi Shastri
Virat Kohli reveals his animated discussion with Ravi Shastri

Jul 11, 2019, 10:58 AM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner