Usman Khawaja Reveals The Exact Way He Saved His Teammates From Paying A$230,000: As we eagerly approach the fourth Test of the 2023 Ashes series, a milestone looms for one of Australia’s top performers, opening batsman Usman Khawaja. Scheduled to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 19 to 23, the match might just be the stage where Khawaja reaches an impressive feat in his Test career.
Already amassing a formidable 4,864 runs, Khawaja is tantalisingly close to the 5,000-run mark. He’s been an instrumental asset to the Australian squad, consistently performing at a high level. His stellar century in the opening Ashes Test at Edgbaston, a robust 141 runs, was a testament to his tenacity and skill, effectively steering Australia to a commanding position.
However, as the fourth Test looms, it’s not just Khawaja’s on-field exploits that have gained attention. Off the field, he’s been a strategic asset to his team, spearheading an effort to revise ICC’s stringent over-rate regulations.
Previously, the Australian side led by Pat Cummins had been at risk of significant fines and point deductions in the World Test Championship (WTC) due to slow over-rates in the first three Ashes Tests. Khawaja, recognising the potential financial repercussions, reached out to the ICC’s general manager of cricket, Wasim Khan, expressing his concerns over the stringent penalties.
Usman Khawaja Reveals The Exact Way He Svaed His Teammates From Paying A$230,000
His proactive approach paid off as the ICC subsequently amended its fine structure, capping fines at 50% of the players’ match fees. This significant adjustment eased the potential financial burden on the Australian team, saving them an estimated $230,000.
Reflecting on his intervention, Khawaja voiced his frustrations about the previous system, revealing his discussions with Wasim Khan to Fox Sports. He felt compelled to express his concerns as the potential penalties were severely undermining the team’s successes.
The issue of over-rates has long been a bone of contention in men’s cricket. The goal of completing 90 overs within a six-and-a-half-hour period is often challenging, especially in varying conditions. Khawaja lauded the ICC, particularly Wasim Khan, for being receptive to players’ feedback and finding a middle ground on the matter. He believes this marks a significant step forward for the sport.
With the financial burden alleviated and his eye on the 5,000-run milestone, Khawaja and the Australian team can now focus on the upcoming fourth Test of the Ashes series. Australian cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see if Old Trafford will be the stage where Khawaja cements his place in cricket history and helps Australia maintain their dominance in the prestigious series.
You may also read: 3 IPL franchises that can target Rahul Dravid as Head Coach if he is not India Coach after ODI WC
