PAK vs AUS: It's not an ideal feeling, says Usman Khawaja after missing out on 100

RAWALPINDI: Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja has said that he felt "disappointed" on missing out on a memorable hundred in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan.

Khawaja got out for 97 runs by playing a senseless reverse sweep shot, and the ball touched the part of his glove and Imam ul Haq took the catch at short-leg.

When asked about missing out on his well-deserved hundred, Khawaja replied: "It's sad, cricket is a funny game, You bat so well and for 97. I would have loved the hundred, especially at Rawalpindi. It is not the ideal feeling but, I took the good and the bad. Whatever comes, comes. Whatever was meant to happen, it happened. But I am very satisfied."

At first, he was given not-out, but the decision was reversed after Pakistan went for review. 

"It was touch and go, I thought it might have hit my glove. Though I was telling myself it has not hit the glove more than anything, yeah, it was clearly out," he elaborated.  

The match is looking like a draw due to the batting-friendly nature of the Pindi Stadium pitch.  

The Pakistani batters including Imam and Azhar Ali notched huge runs, and now Australia is also looking set for a big total after Khawaja and Warner's 156-run opening stand. 

But regardless of the result, Khawaja is just focused on the current situation and then see how things pan out.

"You got to respect Test cricket, you have to respect the wicket, and the opposition as well. I think tomorrow is another big day for us. If we can bat well, keep scoring runs, and then give us an opportunity. We are still 200 runs behind them, we have a long way too, batting well tomorrow is first and foremost for us," he stated.  

"The wicket is definitely detreating, there are cracks on it now, it's hard to know about it in next two days. The rain also has a part. It's still a good wicket, but it will keep decorating over the next two days," thinks Khawaja.  

The tragic death of former Australian legendary leg-spinner has shaken the entire cricketing fraternity. 

When asked about the effect of his death on him and the whole Australian team, he revealed: "We all wear armbands about what's happened this week. But we guys still have Test cricket to play and our focus is still on this. The guys are all professional. Everyone deals with it differently, I am just focusing on this game, and not looking at too much around us" 

He also praised the Rawalpindi's energetic crowd which have been electrifying over the first three days. 

The spectators have great, Very welcoming. chanting our names. The reception has been great. They love cricket, they are very hospitable, we have enjoyed being out there," he added. 

Comments

Submit