The Ashes 2023 series provided everything you expect from a top class cricketing giants who are also rivals. From beginning to the end, it was fueled with competitiveness, a few steps of boldness and a bit of drama that got streched too long. Who can forget the infamous accident when some members of Marylebone Cricket Club act disrespectfully towards the Australian players and Usman Khawaja was first to take a guard against this whole incident.
The Ashes 2023 series ended in draw and Australia retained the Ashes, however, according to some players, things went too far and boundaries were crossed when MCC members hurled words like “cheat” at the passing by Australian cricket team. Throughout the series, we saw posters and miniatures depicting the sandpaper gate scandel, English fans taking a jibe at Steve Smith by chorusing “we saw you cry on the telly”.
Usman Khawaja, who performed brilliantly with the bat, said that Ashes 2023 was a bit more hostile which shouldn’t be reflecting an environmental around sports. While talking to Fox Cricket upon joining the commentry team, Khawaja opened up about the incident and said:
It was a little nastier than anything I’ve experienced in the past and a little bit more in your face. I don’t know if that was because of the whole Bazball thing or us being the so-called ‘villains’ over there.
There’s always been banter over there, but it’s usually more respectful. Maybe that’s where the game is going, and if that’s where it is, then that’s a bit unfortunate.
The involvement of fans in the game is always more than appreciated, they bring liveliness and teams feel they are being astoundingly backed. However, Khawaja feels like sometimes fans, following their line go to far and cross the boundaries of mutual respect. Stressing about this particular issue, Khawaja opined:
I’ve never been a big fan of the crowd being able to say whatever they want, and that’s in Australia, England or anywhere in the world. If I feel like they’ve crossed my line – I say my line because I feel everyone’s line is different – and if I feel they’ve gone too far with me, then I’ll always pull them up.
I’ll never shy away from that because I’m never the guy who will dodge a fight. If you’re disrespectful to me, then I have a right to come back at you.
Apart from being a spectacular batsman, Usman Khawaja is one of most respected players around the cricket world. He is very open about his affirmations and doesn’t hold back his true opinions. Now, the 36 years old is joining the fox cricket commentry team, it will be fruitful so hear his insights on the game and definitely, he will share some unheard stories of Australia Cricket dressing room.
