India and Australia are playing the fourth test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023, at Ahmedabad. The visitors posted a mammoth total of 480 runs in their first innings, Ausises are trailing by 1-2 against Men in Blue in the four-test match series.
Usman Khawaja scored a brilliant 180 runs in the first innings, he became the first Australian player to a century since Steve Smith’s ton in 2017. Brad Haddin has credited Khawaja’s innings as the most important of all.
Haddin praised the Australian opener for his knock-
“There’s none more important than this inning from Usman Khawaja,”
“You’ve got to remember the way we started this series. We got bowled out twice in a session. Australia has gone away and found a game plan,” former Australian wicketkeeper batter said.
In his innings of 180 runs, along with Cameron Green’s 114 mark, they together shared a 208-run stand to help Australia pile up a huge total of 480 runs in their first innings.
“We’ve seen how emotional he was yesterday … this is a big milestone,” he further added.
Despite making his debut in 2011, the southpaw batter made his Test debut in India in the BGT 2023. The 36-year-old has been in and out of the side throughout his career.
“I think he’s relaxed,” Haidden said when asked what has changed for Khawaja.
“He’s on top of his game, he’s happy off the field and he’s not worried about when the end is now. I think he’s in a really, really good place,” he further added.
The Paksitani-born cricketer was brought up in Australia and became the first Muslim to grab the ‘Baggy Green’ cap in 2011, he has played 59 Test matches for his side and scored 4315 runs.
Hard to explain the feelings and emotions that go into sport. I'd never trade my journey in a million years but the journey is what made this so special. #180 #india #dontcallitacomebackivebeenhereforyears pic.twitter.com/PTg4754lRS
— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) March 10, 2023
“We need guys like Usman at the top of the order for the World Test Championship,” concluded former Australian cricketer.
Rohit Sharma-led side needs to win the test match at Ahmedabad to assure their place in World Test Championship (WTC) Final, Meanwhile, Australia has already qualified for the WTC Final in England after avoiding the clean sweep in the four test match series, the Steve Smith-led side won the last test match at Delhi by nine wickets.