England fast-bowler Ollie Robinson could not control his emotions after ending Usman Khawaja’s marathon knock in the first innings of the ongoing first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
The left-handed batsman scored a sensational century to steer Australia out of trouble. The visitors were reeling at 67 for 3 at one stage before Khawaja’s 141-run knock helped them finish their innings on 386 in reply to England’s first innings total of 393 for 8 declared.
Khawaja batted throughout the second day and reached his first Test century in England. On the third day of the Test, he could add only 15 runs to his overnight score of 126 runs before being clean bowled by Ollie Robinson. And as soon as the ball hit the stumps, a pumped-up Robinson was caught on the camera telling the Australia opener: “f*** off, you f***ing pr**k.”
Ollie Robinson on the send-off:
Speaking at the end of day’s play, Ollie Robinson was asked about the send-off he gave to Khawaja and the England star made it clear that he had no regrets about it. The right-arm pacer bluntly stated ‘I don’t care’ when he was told about the criticism he was facing for the incident.
“I don’t really care how it’s perceived to be honest,” said Robinson.
“It’s the Ashes, professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?
“It’s my first home Ashes and to get the big wicket at the time was special for me,” Robinson added. “I think Uzzie played unbelievably well. To get that wicket for us as a team at the time was massive. We all want that theatre of the game, don’t we? So I’m here to provide it.”
Speaking further, he cited the example of the legendary Ricky Ponting and other Australian players who did something similar in the past.
“I think when you’re in the heat of the moment and you have the passion of the Ashes, that can happen,” he said.
“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,” added Robinson.
The Test is finely poised at the moment and is set for a thrilling finish after three exhilarating days of cricket. At stumps on day 3, England were on 28 for 2 with their overall lead extended to 35 runs.
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