TOP STORIES
“It doesn't come around very much”: Usman Khawaja after his ton against Sri Lanka
Australia finished day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday in a dominant fashion after experienced batters Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith bludgeoned their centuries. Khawaja’s prestigious knock put an end to his poor run as this massive century from his bat came in almost two years.
Following a disastrous campaign against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, falling for cheaper scores, Khawaja had attracted a lot criticism. However, he fired back at his critics by firing his 16th Test hundred, his first ton since the opening Ashes match against England in 2023.
Calm and composed Khawaja repaid the faith selectors posed in him despite experiencing a lean patch. Khawaja thrived in spin conditions in Sri Lanka, and became the only second Australian batter after Alan Border to score centuries in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
“It's a contrast of two halves - my career in the subcontinent. There's pre-Dubai, post-Dubai. There were some low times - my wife Rachel was here with me [in 2016, when he'd been dropped mid-series in Sri Lanka], and we had so many of those tough times. No one ever sees that. Everyone sees the good stuff,” Khawaja said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“But you have to take the good stuff when you get it. It doesn't come around very much. We had one of the greatest players to play the game - Steven Smith - get to, what was that, 35 Test hundreds? As great as he is, he's only done it 35 times. That puts things into perspective,” he added.
Apart from Khawaja, Steve Smith also belted his Test hundred, registering his 35th Test century. The duo thrived on a successful start given by Travis Head, who scored a half-century.
Tags
More News
Parag’s masterclass knock in vain as KKR thrash RR
In a must-win clash, Kolkata Knight Riders delivered an amazing performance to defeat Rajasthan Royals by 1 run on Sunday at Eden Gardens, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the ongoing Indian Premier League. The high-octane battle witnessed fierce hitting and a valiant solo effort from Riyan Parag that ultimately went in vain.
“Whether the mind is…”: Adam Gilchrist on Dhoni’s captaincy post CSK’s loss to RCB
Legendary MS Dhoni’s leadership came under intense scrutiny following CSK’s narrow two-run defeat to RCB on Saturday in Bengaluru. The important moment in the match was MS Dhoni’s decision to hand the 19th over of the first innings to Khaleel Ahmed. Despite Khaleel having conceded 32 runs off his first two overs, Dhoni opted t...
PBKS vs LSG: All you need to know, head to head, probable XII
As the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches its climax, Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants find themselves in an important showdown. They meet each other on Sunday in Dharamsala in the 54th match of the IPL. Both teams are currently positioned fourth and sixth in the points table, respectively, making this encounter a must-win to s...
Kagiso Rabada serving provisional suspension for recreational drug use
Kagiso Rabada, South Africa’s tearaway pacer, has revealed that he is currently serving a provisional suspension after testing positive for recreational drug use. This development comes after his brief stint with Gujarat Titans in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) last month, where he played two matches before returning home. That time, Gujarat Tita...
KKR vs RR: Playoffs chances at risk as KKR host RR
Kolkata Knight Riders will face Rajasthan Royals in a must-win Indian Premier League encounter on Sunday at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Riding high on confidence, KKR will be determined to stay alive in the race for playoffs, while Rajasthan Royals, already eliminated from the tournament, will aim to spoil KKR’s plans.
With thei...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram