The Ashes 25/26

[mighty_tiger_79]

Uzzy, wtf was that....

[pmackk]

Uzzy should have gone at the end of last summer now he can play as much golf as he likes in retirement.

[gadj1976]

Just when I think that the Aust cricket team is likeable, and grounded, another one comes out with a stupid 'me' comment.

Glad to see the back of him.

[Aerie]

Usman Khawaja has had an exceptional career. I think it is fair to acknowledge what he says has been difficult for him regarding racism is true for him. Imagine landing in Australia in 1991 as a 5 year old muslim from Pakistan. You're growing up via 1990's cricket clubs. Your Dad's a pilot and you're 15 when September 11 happens. Still close to a decade before making his Test debut.

I believe Dan Whatmore, a Sri Lankan native, played some Test cricket for Australia in the late 70's, so alongside him some 25 years later, Khawaja is the first sub-continent born player to play for Australia as well as the first muslim. He has paved the way. He is laid back, likeable, intelligent and happy to call it as he sees it. There will be many more, given the huge influx in immigration from this part of the world. It is surprising there haven't been more to date, perhaps there is something in what Khawaja is saying?

As a batsman, he is classy and in the mould of those cricketers who make batting look easy. Similar for Shaun Marsh, a man who replaced him many times when he was dropped throughout his career. Given he averaged 40, over 44 Tests, up until 2019, he could probably consider himself unlucky to be dropped on occasions. Perhaps his penchant to call out what he sees, both in the dressing room and in politics, didn't do him any favours at times on the selection table?

His second half of his career, from 2022 up until now, has seen himself achieve both the same amount of centuries (8) and the same amount of Tests (44 when he lines up this morning at the SCG) as he played from his debut in 2011 up until he was dropped in 2019. His average in this period, 46, almost exclusively as an opener. Another player who has excelled under the leadership of Cummins and McDonald. His return has cemented his spot up there with the very best of Australian opening batsman.

His Test career has had ups and downs, much like the Australian team since his debut in 2011. Whilst he may have been unlucky to be dropped at times in the first part of his career, he also didn't nail down his position in the team like the very best do. He isn't in the top echelon of batsman of his era - Smith, Clarke, Warner - but he is that next rung down and a cut above most who have been tried in the post Warne/McGrath era. 88 Tests, 16 centuries and an average of 43. Hats off Usman. He's navigated his way through and deserves all the successes and acknowledgements that will come with his last Test match at a ground a stones throw from where he grew up.

[Armchair expert]

Webster in for Richardson

[Jim05]

Webster in for Richardson

No frontline spinner for us at the SCG for the first time since 1888

[whufc]

Usman Khawaja has had an exceptional career. I think it is fair to acknowledge what he says has been difficult for him regarding racism is true for him. Imagine landing in Australia in 1991 as a 5 year old muslim from Pakistan. You're growing up via 1990's cricket clubs. Your Dad's a pilot and you're 15 when September 11 happens. Still close to a decade before making his Test debut.

I believe Dan Whatmore, a Sri Lankan native, played some Test cricket for Australia in the late 70's, so alongside him some 25 years later, Khawaja is the first sub-continent born player to play for Australia as well as the first muslim. He has paved the way. He is laid back, likeable, intelligent and happy to call it as he sees it. There will be many more, given the huge influx in immigration from this part of the world. It is surprising there haven't been more to date, perhaps there is something in what Khawaja is saying?

As a batsman, he is classy and in the mould of those cricketers who make batting look easy. Similar for Shaun Marsh, a man who replaced him many times when he was dropped throughout his career. Given he averaged 40, over 44 Tests, up until 2019, he could probably consider himself unlucky to be dropped on occasions. Perhaps his penchant to call out what he sees, both in the dressing room and in politics, didn't do him any favours at times on the selection table?

His second half of his career, from 2022 up until now, has seen himself achieve both the same amount of centuries (8) and the same amount of Tests (44 when he lines up this morning at the SCG) as he played from his debut in 2011 up until he was dropped in 2019. His average in this period, 46, almost exclusively as an opener. Another player who has excelled under the leadership of Cummins and McDonald. His return has cemented his spot up there with the very best of Australian opening batsman.

His Test career has had ups and downs, much like the Australian team since his debut in 2011. Whilst he may have been unlucky to be dropped at times in the first part of his career, he also didn't nail down his position in the team like the very best do. He isn't in the top echelon of batsman of his era - Smith, Clarke, Warner - but he is that next rung down and a cut above most who have been tried in the post Warne/McGrath era. 88 Tests, 16 centuries and an average of 43. Hats off Usman. He's navigated his way through and deserves all the successes and acknowledgements that will come with his last Test match at a ground a stones throw from where he grew up.

No doubt Uzi would have copped a ton load of racism coming through the ranks and fair enough his probably still hurt by that BUT the recent criticism of him has absolutely nothing to do with his race.

England has copped far more than him.

Trav cops a lot of when not hitting runs regarding his fitness and concentration

Historically Michael Clarke copped a ton load during his Lara Bingle era for his supposed lack of commitment

Thats just to name a few…..so many more examples.

[locky801]

England won the toss and batting


Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue

[Aerie]

Usman Khawaja has had an exceptional career. I think it is fair to acknowledge what he says has been difficult for him regarding racism is true for him. Imagine landing in Australia in 1991 as a 5 year old muslim from Pakistan. You're growing up via 1990's cricket clubs. Your Dad's a pilot and you're 15 when September 11 happens. Still close to a decade before making his Test debut.

I believe Dan Whatmore, a Sri Lankan native, played some Test cricket for Australia in the late 70's, so alongside him some 25 years later, Khawaja is the first sub-continent born player to play for Australia as well as the first muslim. He has paved the way. He is laid back, likeable, intelligent and happy to call it as he sees it. There will be many more, given the huge influx in immigration from this part of the world. It is surprising there haven't been more to date, perhaps there is something in what Khawaja is saying?

As a batsman, he is classy and in the mould of those cricketers who make batting look easy. Similar for Shaun Marsh, a man who replaced him many times when he was dropped throughout his career. Given he averaged 40, over 44 Tests, up until 2019, he could probably consider himself unlucky to be dropped on occasions. Perhaps his penchant to call out what he sees, both in the dressing room and in politics, didn't do him any favours at times on the selection table?

His second half of his career, from 2022 up until now, has seen himself achieve both the same amount of centuries (8) and the same amount of Tests (44 when he lines up this morning at the SCG) as he played from his debut in 2011 up until he was dropped in 2019. His average in this period, 46, almost exclusively as an opener. Another player who has excelled under the leadership of Cummins and McDonald. His return has cemented his spot up there with the very best of Australian opening batsman.

His Test career has had ups and downs, much like the Australian team since his debut in 2011. Whilst he may have been unlucky to be dropped at times in the first part of his career, he also didn't nail down his position in the team like the very best do. He isn't in the top echelon of batsman of his era - Smith, Clarke, Warner - but he is that next rung down and a cut above most who have been tried in the post Warne/McGrath era. 88 Tests, 16 centuries and an average of 43. Hats off Usman. He's navigated his way through and deserves all the successes and acknowledgements that will come with his last Test match at a ground a stones throw from where he grew up.

No doubt Uzi would have copped a ton load of racism coming through the ranks and fair enough his probably still hurt by that BUT the recent criticism of him has absolutely nothing to do with his race.

England has copped far more than him.

Trav cops a lot of when not hitting runs regarding his fitness and concentration

Historically Michael Clarke copped a ton load during his Lara Bingle era for his supposed lack of commitment

Thats just to name a few…..so many more examples.

I'd agree with that and agree with Jason Gillespie's analysis.

But if he or his wife are reading the comments (and you should never read the comments), there's a tonne of racism there.

We've seen the hate for Pat Cummins because he spoke up for renewable energy a few years ago. He'll forever be a shit captain because of those comments in some people's (small) minds, regardless of his actual cricket record or ability and any chance to jump on him is taken.

Khawaja has a double dose of being outspoken and Pakistan born. His truth I take for what it is. As he said, no need to gaslight him.

[am Bays]

“We hate doing it but if they keep preparing wickets like this why would you?” Steve Smith on leaving out Todd Murphy - or words to that effect.

Expect changes next year in pitches before we tour India in Jan/Feb 2027.

[DOC]

Nice catch. First down. 1/35

[dedja]

Do you want me to get you an Uber to the nets Bro?

[Armchair expert]

Very unenthusiastic celebration

[am Bays]

Nice catch. First down. 1/35

Watching the highlights of this test four years ago Carey dropped two catches like that. A sign of how much he has improved in the last four years.

IMO it’s largely due to better footwork which means he is covering more ground with a stable base

[dedja]

How does Crawley think that’s not out?

[dedja]

Bethell gone, 3/57 … good toss to lose.

[bertiebeatle1]

How does Crawley think that’s not out?

I think Bethall talked him into it. No idea how that was umpires call

[dedja]

How does Crawley think that’s not out?

I think Bethall talked him into it. No idea how that was umpires call

Yep, another ball track that belies reality.

[dedja]

Expert comments …

[Armchair expert]

Get the no-rounder off already far out