"Like A Batsman From Bangladesh," Said An Ex-Pak Star About Khawaja

Usman Khawaja was the star performer for Australia, scoring a whopping 180 runs as the visitors defeated India in Ahmedabad by 480 runs in the first innings. While Khawaja received praise from the entire cricket community for his prodigious bat skills, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali made some odd comments about the opening batter, claiming he took a “timid approach” to his game. Khawaja, Australia’s leading scorer, actually played “like a batsman from Bangladesh,” according to Ali.

Basit attacked the Australian cricket team in a video posted to YouTube, criticising the rate at which they scored runs as they reached their first-inning total of 480 runs.

“Australia’s style of play reminded me of the team from 1970 to 1980. They won the toss, scoring 255 points on Day 1 and 225 points on Day 2. Although it appears that Australia is ahead 2-1 in the series, India actually holds that advantage. They have kept a defensive stance simply because they have advanced to the World Test Championship finals “said he.

Ali criticised Khawaja’s strategy but acknowledged that he was struck by the intensity with which Cameron Green put forth himself to record his first Test tonne.

“Usman Khawaja performed like a Bangladeshi batsman. He came across as very timid, and I believe it was a selfish move. After playing 422 deliveries on this pitch, you score 180 runs. Only Green appeared to be an Australian batter “Ali commented.

Additionally, Ali made fun of Australia’s interim captain Steve Smith and head coach Andrew McDonald. The former Pakistani star believes that Pat Cummins’ position as the team’s permanent Test captain is being threatened by the Australian management.

“The attitude that Steve Smith and their coach Andrew McDonald adopted was very depressing. Their coach was a common player, and his way of thinking is also very common. In addition, I want to emphasise that this is a scheme to restore Smith as their new captain and to relieve Pat Cummins of his captaincy. Australia wants to play a draw so that Smith can manage his chosen group of players once more after leading them to victory in the third Test under his leadership “Ali argued.

Also Read: There were times when I probably cried three-four times in my room every day: RCB pacer Harshal Patel (sportsdigest.in)