Ashes 2023: On Sunday, June 11, Australia defeated India by a large score of 209 runs to win the World Test Championship final 2023. Following their historic victory, Australia will face England in the Ashes 2023, which will begin on June 16 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The forthcoming series will be critical for renowned Australian opener Usman Khawaja, who has a poor record in England.
Khawaja has scored 249 runs at an average of 17.78 in 14 innings in England. However, the southpaw has been in fantastic form since his return to the Australian Test team in 2022, averaging over 60 with the bat. When asked how he’ll do under English circumstances this time, Khawaja remarked that ups and downs are part of the game.
“Cricket is a game like that; it goes up and down, up and down.” I hope I don’t have another down, but chances are I will. You always do if you play long enough. That’s just the crux of it,” Khawaja was cited by The Guardian as saying.
Notably, the opening batter was a member of Australia’s selection for The Ashes 2019 in England, however, he was pulled from the squad following his poor performance throughout the series. He later made a comeback in the Ashes 2021-22 and has been in command ever since. However, he did not have a good start in England again, being dismissed for 0 and 13 in the two innings in the WTC 2023 final.
Speaking further on his time with the Australian squad, Khawaja stated that he has always felt like an outsider.
Usman Khawaja: I’ve always felt like an outcast.
“Fortunately, my teammates were always courteous to me. But I was always an outsider. I don’t consume (alcohol). And I don’t purchase drinks for men. But I have no objections to individuals consuming alcohol; it’s your life; do whatever you want with it. That is something I appreciate, and they respect me,” he continued.
The 36-year-old is about to go on another vital tour of England, which might determine his future in the Australian squad. Khawaja doesn’t have much time to excel in England because the first Ashes Test starts on June 16. Australia has won the Ashes three times in a row and will be hungry to do it again if they can get through England’s ‘Bazball’ strategy.
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