Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke criticized Usman Khawaja for not using his seniority in the second innings of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Khawaja didn’t use his seniority to protect debutant Nathan McSweeney, he opened from the non-striker’s end exposing the debutant to Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball.
India declared their second innings on 487-6, the hosts dealt with a tricky half an hour game before stumps on Day 2. They had a big score in front of them and they had to deal with the team full of power and excitement. They very well made use of that by taking Australia’s 3 wickets down on Day 2.
Debutant McSweeney scored 10 runs in the first innings before being trapped by Jasprit Bumrah, went with the same thing before opening his account, making Australia 0-1 in the first over.
Clarke opened up on this and said Usman Khawaja should have played a big role in this and used his seniority to protect the debutant.
“A lot of people don’t like taking first ball, so the opening batters rotate. Khawaja took the first ball in the first innings and now they’re saying it’s McSweeney (for the second innings). But I think Uzzie should have said, youngster, get down the other end, even though we’re going to rotate, even though I don’t like taking it, it’s my time.’ (He should have said) I’m a senior player. I’m 38 years of age in a week’s time. Listen here, youngster, I know you want to do it (but) get down there. It’s my turn. I think Uzzie should have owned that moment.”
Australia needs to play big to win the first Test match of the series. They need to make 430 runs to win in the Optus Stadium at Perth.