BGT: Lee and Shastri Support Khawaja in Quest to Prove Critics Wrong and Find Form in Brisbane
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Brisbane, Dec 14 (NationPress) Former cricketing legends Brett Lee and Ravi Shastri are confident that Usman Khawaja, the Australian opener, possesses the capability to quiet his detractors with a noteworthy innings, especially after rain hampered the initial day of the third Test at the Gabba against India.
With scores of 8, 4, 13, and 9 not out in the series, calls for his exclusion have intensified. However, Khawaja demonstrated a more determined approach during his short appearance on Saturday, hitting a boundary off the second ball after the first rain delay, indicating his intent to play aggressively. He concluded the rain-shortened day with 19 not out, while Nathan McSweeney remained unbeaten on four at the other end.
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee remarked that Khawaja continues to show flashes of his talent and has the ability to turn things around with the right tempo. On Fox Sports, Lee commented, “The signs are promising for Usman Khawaja ... but he requires the rhythm tomorrow to re-establish his game. If given the chance, he might score big.”
The absence of Khawaja’s long-time opening partner, David Warner, has added to the challenge. Warner’s aggressive playing style typically complemented Khawaja’s more cautious approach, alleviating some pressure from him.
Former Indian player Ravi Shastri recognized the significance of Warner’s absence. “It greatly impacts you because much of the pressure is alleviated when you can play your own style. David would be aggressive at the other end, keeping the scoreboard moving,” Shastri stated.
In contrast, McSweeney, who is playing in his first Test series, employs a more traditional red-ball technique, which requires Khawaja to shoulder more responsibility.
Shastri indicated that the combination of Khawaja and McSweeney may have influenced India’s decision to bowl first on a green Gabba wicket.
“When runs aren't flowing from both ends, that could be a factor in India’s choice to field first. They may have sensed a chance to make early breakthroughs and exert pressure on the middle order.
“The top order hasn’t accumulated runs, so let’s make some early inroads and pressure the middle order,” Shastri added.
With rain permitting only 13.2 overs on day one, India will aim to exploit the unsettled Australian top order when play resumes on Sunday.
