After scoring a century on Day 2 in Sydney in the fourth Ashes Test against England, Usman Khawaja had his wife and daughter rally behind him.
On the second day of the fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England in Sydney, Usman Khawaja was in sensational form. Rather than the Covid-isolated Travis Head, the batsman was used in the batting order and hit 137 runs off 260 balls, including 13 fours. After declaring at 416 for eight, he made a century that put Australia in a commanding position in the current match. At stumps on Day 2, the visitors had reached 13/0 in response to the hosts. Khawaja was cheered on by his wife Rachel, who raised their daughter in applause once he passed the tonne mark. Cricket.com.au took to Twitter to share the moment, which was well-received by the cricket community. The following is a video of the event:
Family 💖#Ashes pic.twitter.com/kNQMZHkXl6
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2022
“The most powerful and lovely thing in the world is family,” an admirer wrote.
The most powerful and lovely thing in the world is family❤❤
— Faizan Ameen (@Faiziboy61) January 6, 2022
A further supporter demanded that he be included in Australia’s Test squad indefinitely for the duration of the current World Cup cycle.
Commented one of the fans “He should remain on the team till the WTC cycle is over. He is deserving of this recognition. Been neglected and underappreciated, give him the swan song selectors please!”
Usman should be in the squad till the WTC cycle is over. He deserves it. Been unfairly overlooked and not given many chances, give him the swan song selectors plz!
— Deeyan (@deeyan16) January 6, 2022
According to another admirer, Khawaja was already rejoicing when the kid was just a few pounds old.
As one fan put it, “Before striking the ball youngster started the celebration.”
Befor hitting the ball kid started the celebration 😉 (Bottle Dropped) 🍼
— Bharath Waj 😷 (@im_waj03) January 6, 2022
England pacer Stuart Broad took five wickets in Australia’s opening innings. David Warner (30), Steve Smith (67), Khawaja, Cameron Green (5), and Pat Cummins (5) were all fired as a result of his actions (24).
For England, Day 3 will see the return to action of openers Haseeb Hameed and Zak Crawley.