Usman Khawaja torched for casual response to Delhi Test debacle
Usman Khawaja is facing heated criticism after shrugging off Australia's disastrous second-innings performance in Delhi.
India retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy on Sunday after Australia capitulated to a six-wicket loss in the second Test
The Aussies resumed day three in a position to mount a series-levelling victory.
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Usman Khawaja of Australia walks off after he was dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin of India during day three of the First Test match in the series between India and Australia at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground on February 11, 2023 in Nagpur, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Getty
However, what transpired was a disastrous morning session where the tourists unravelled - losing nine wickets within 90 minutes.
Khawaja was Australia's first wicket to fall in the second innings. This soon doubled as the first of six Aussies to depart trying to sweep India's spin attack.
After top scoring with a fine 81 on day one, Khawaja was dismissed for six after sweeping the ball to Shreyas Iyer at leg slip.
Despite the team's chaotic performance with the bat, Khawaja looked the pick of Australia's XI.
Speaking on SEN's cricket podcast, Khawaja played down Australia's dismal performance.
However, his blasé response was not well received, infuriating pundits as he conceded there was nothing more the team could have done.
"Sometimes that's just how it goes," he said.
"We were just out-skilled, we didn't execute well enough, unfortunately. We executed quite well in the first innings, we just couldn't do it for the whole game.
"There'll always be outside noise but at the end of the day, we're out here trying to win games of cricket for Australia.
"You have to pick your poison, one way or another. You can get out blocking or you can get out trying to execute shots we've been practising. That's just the way it goes.
"If you're looking short-sighted, it sucks, but we've still played a lot of good cricket over a long period of time."
Host Gerard Whateley was less than impressed with the nonchalant comments, questioning the opening batter's frame of mind.
Ravindra Jadeja of India celebrates taking the wicket of Usman Khawaja of Australia during day two of the Second Test match in the series between India and Australia at Arun Jaitley Stadium on February 18, 2023 in Delhi, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Getty
"They will have to come up with better than, 'It's just how it goes," he said.
Fellow SEN commentator Adam Collins also disagreed with Khawaja's remarks.
"They're laughing at us now," he said.
"That bit about, 'There'll be outside noise'. I don't know if that's reading the room particularly well from Usman.
"I acknowledge he is one of the most mature cricketers in the world at the moment and he is entitled to his view and it should be respected, but the outside noise is going to be there from everywhere and to ignore it would be a mistake.
"Even that line about picking one's poison. What's the starting point – that they are going to be outdone by Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja and they just have to pick the way they are going to get out?
"I don't know if that's the right starting point at this level when you're the No.1 side in the world.
"It feels like there is a mindset issue here in addition to the chasm here on these surfaces."
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