The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 they went as expected for the Australian Open Usman Khawaja. The 38-year-old scored just 184 runs in 5 Test matches at a worrying average of 20.44. In the middle AustraliaAfter the triumph and his quiet season with the bat, the Australian batsman recently revealed the toughest bowler he has faced so far in his career.
Usman Khawaja opens up about his bowling nightmare
An Australian batsman who traces his roots from Pakistanafter achieving a historic victory in Sydney to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, spoke about the situation that developed in the second innings of the last Test match. Speaking with ABC Sportthe 38-year-old revealed that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is the toughest pitcher he has faced.
“Just got Bumrah’d. It’s a pity that he was (injured) but thank God for us. Today, it would be a real nightmare to face him on that wicket. As soon as we didn’t see him out there, we thought ‘okay, we’ve got a chance here’. He’s the toughest bowler I’ve ever faced.” said Khawaja.
India’s stand-in captain in the opening and final matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah was a bone of contention for the Australian batsmen throughout the series. The 31-year-old pace maestro was the leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals and was named Player of the series. However, he was unable to bowl on the third day of the final Test match in Sydney due to back spasms. This paved the way for Australia’s 6-wicket triumph over India in the Sydney Test to seal a 3-1 series win.
Bumrah’s injury can be directly attributed to the excessive workload the Indian pacer had to go through throughout the series. He bowled more than 150 overs in 5 test matches as he was the only one in form for his side. Notably, Bumrah saved the Indian team from early humiliation in the Melbourne Test as he bowled a total of 52 overs and claimed 9 Australian wickets.
Also read: Brett Lee likens Scott Boland to the legendary bowler after Australia’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph.
Khawaja talks about the character of Sam Konstas in the series
Another topic of conversation throughout the series was the young man Konstas himself who featured in the Australian squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and had a dream debut against India with a 60-run knock in the first innings of the 4th Test. More than his batting skills, Konstas made headlines for his fierce exchanges with seasoned Indian batsmen like Bumrah and Virat Kohli. Khawaja, who has started the 19-year-old in the last 2 Tests, has observed Konstas’ behavior on the field.
“I’ve never met someone so arrogant, but so sweet at the same time. He is a very lovable character. He has this sense of being arrogant, but he says it with a smile on his face.” Khawaja noticed Konstas.
With a triumph over India, Australia sealed a place in the WTC final which will be held in June against South Africawho have already qualified to win the coveted test mace at Lord.
Also read: “It takes a lot of character”: AB de Villiers offers advice for struggling Virat Kohli
