Usman Khawaja returned to Test cricket with a bang. He replaced an injured Steve Smith and produced a marvelous innings on the first day of the current Test against England. Khawaja walked out to bat in the 10th over, having earlier been left out of the playing XI throughout the series. When his chance of a lifetime arrived, he took it with almost preternatural calm and finesse.
At his very best, Khawaja made full use of his talents across his innings. He was given a reprieve by England’s Harry Brook when he was on five runs. The generous fielding error allowed him to display his dominant form throughout the day, as he demonstrated an effortless ease and confidence that had been missing in previous matches.
As magnificent as Khawaja’s trip back to the forefront of Australia’s Test team was, it was more so. It was the first time he’d gone past 50 since his sublime double century against Sri Lanka back in January. He quickly kicked his scoring into high gear, blasting 19 runs off only 20 balls. Before the lunch break had even begun, he had stormed to 41 runs.
A Solid Partnership
Perhaps no player’s performance was more important than Khawaja’s. He joined long-time partner and fellow Oz batsman Alex Carey to rebuild the innings following an early collapse. That partnership would turn out to be integral, as both players helped the team escape what could have been a very nasty early hole. Complementing each other, Khawaja with his experience and Carey with his poise turned into a mirage for England’s bowling line-up, steering Australia through their early stumbles.
Khawaja got out to a cracker of a catch from Will Jacks after reaching the enviable score of 82 runs. His innings not only contributed significantly to Australia’s first innings but underscored his value to the team following his recent injury woes. Having missed out on the second Test after suffering back spasms, Khawaja’s return was a bolster to the already-strong Australian squad.
“You work and work and work for those chances and they’ve really got to be taken,” – Phil Tufnell
Controversies Surrounding Technology
Although Khawaja’s individual excellence attracted plenty of headlines, DRS technology came under further scrutiny after a No- Ball call hogged most of the conversation during the match. After a pretty spicy episode with Alex Carey, former elite umpire Simon Taufel questioned its calibration. Taufel discussed how technology is often unable to deliver the clear, conclusive outcome that many exist to provide.
“My gut tells me from all of my experience on field and also as a TV umpire that I think Alex Carey has hit the ball and the technology calibration hasn’t been quite right to get the outcome it was looking for,” – Simon Taufel
In the middle this controversy, Taufel was adamant on the point that an overturn must have robust justification. Like, he required clear visual proof of a deviation from a bat or an abrupt change in the ball’s angle. The conversations surrounding DRS really illustrated how crucial its presence has become in today’s cricketing landscape, essentially showcasing the demand for accuracy in modern-day officiating.
“For the third umpire to overturn they need to see a clear deflection off the bat or we have to see a spike next to the bat or up to one frame past the bat,” – Simon Taufel
Reflecting on Khawaja’s Journey
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Khawaja during this series. Having originally come into the series as a reserve opener, he ended up being squeezed out of the squad, placing his Test career future in doubt. Regardless of the outcome, his showing in this game has reinstated his spot in the lineup.
Khawaja scored 49 runs as Australia’s first-innings top-scorer, impossible to overstate the value of that performance. Not only did he fill Smith’s shoes, he proved to one and all why he still is a dominating force in international cricket. His impressive adaptability and uncanny ability to perform under pressure reveals a lot about his character and talent.
Even when England tried to pounce on early opportunities, like when Khawaja dropped a catch in the field, he kept his head down and his attention up. As Phil Tufnell pointed out on commentary after England missed a simple fielding chance, those wickets have to be taken when they come.
“That is a pretty simple slip catch … Steve Smith’s catching those with his eyes closed,” – Phil Tufnell
