Australian skipper Pat Cummins showered praise on Usman Khawaja after they won the humdinger first Ashes Test against England by two wickets at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Khawaja was the star of the show for Australia, scoring 141 runs in the first innings to take Australia to 386 after England declared at 393-8. Khawaja added 118 runs with Alex Carey in the first innings and also added crucial alliances with Cameron Green and Travis Head.
Furthermore, Khawaja scored a crucial knock of 65 runs in the second essay when Australia was chasing 281. The left-hander showed all the patience at the crease and backed his game to deliver the goods. The southpaw faced 321 balls in the first innings and played 197 deliveries in the second dig to frustrate the English bowlers.
Ergo, Khawaja was awarded Player of the Match for his fine match-winning knocks in both innings.
Pat Cummins said in the post-match presentation, “Incredible composure, played at his own pace and he has been a class player the last couple of years. Really happy for him. I think he had a good feel for the wicket, and then everyone chipped in around him.”
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins was able to get his team over the line as he added the finishing touches, scoring 44 runs. Nathan Lyon also gave crucial company to his captain as the off-spinner scored an unbeaten knock of 16 runs. The duo added 55 runs for the ninth wicket and snatched a win from the jaws of defeat.
Showering praise on Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins said, “He’s huge, both innings he is putting down one end. He is an absolute superstar, he is calm and goes about his work. He is a captain’s dream.”
In fact, Australia needed 70 runs when Pat Cummins came into the middle and joined forces with Alex Carey. The Australian captain was confident of getting his team over the line.
Cummins said on Australia’s chances, “Honestly, pretty good. That wicket didn’t have too many demons and Carey was batting beautifully.”
The second Ashes Test will be played at Lord’s, from June 28 onwards.
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