AUS vs IND: Usman Khawaja names the toughest bowler he has faced in his career

Jan 6, 2025

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Usman Khawaja

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 have gone as expected for Australian opener Usman Khawaja. The 38-year-old scored only 184 runs in 5 Test matches with a worrying average of 20.44. In the midst of Australia’s triumph and his silent season with the bat, the Australian batter recently revealed the toughest bowler he has faced in his career so far.

Usman Khawaja opens up on his bowling nightmare

The Australian batter who hails his roots from Pakistan, after securing a historic win in Sydney to clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, spoke about the situation that developed in the second innings of the last Test match. Speaking to ABC Sport, the 38-year-old revealed that Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah is the toughest bowler he has faced.

“I was just getting Bumrah’d. It’s a shame he was (injured) but thank god for us. Today would’ve been an absolute nightmare facing him on that wicket. As soon as we didn’t see him out there we thought ‘alright, we’ve got a chance here’. He’s the toughest bowler I’ve ever faced,” Khawaja said.

The stand-in Indian skipper in the opening and final match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Bumrah has been a bone of contention for Australian batters throughout the series. The 31-year-old pace maestro was the leading wicket-taker with 32 dismissals to his name and was named the Player of the Series. However, he was unable to bowl on Day 3 of the final Test match in Sydney due to a back spasm. This paved the way for Australia’s 6-wicket triumph over India in the Sydney Test and seal a 3-1 series win.

Bumrah’s injury can be directly attributed to the excessive workload that the Indian pacer had to undergo throughout the series. He bowled more than 150 overs in 5 Test matches as he was the sole in-form pacer for his side. Notably, Bumrah saved the Indian team from an early humiliation in the Melbourne Test as he bowled a total of 52 overs and clinched 9 Australian wickets.

Also Read: Brett Lee compares Scott Boland to a legendary bowler following Australia’s triumphant in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Khawaja talks about Sam Konstas’ character in the series

Another talking point throughout the series has been the youngster Sam Konstas who featured in the Australian squad ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and had a dream debut against India with a 60-run knock in the first innings of the 4th Test. More than his batting skills, Konstas has been in the headlines due to his heated exchanges with seasoned Indian campaigners like Bumrah and Virat Kohli. Khawaja, who opened with the 19-year-old in the last 2 Tests, observed Konstas’ behaviour on the pitch.

“I’ve never met anyone so arrogant but so endearing at the same time. He’s a very lovable character. He’s got this sense of being arrogant but saying it with a smile on his face.” Khawaja remarked on Konstas.

With their triumph over India, Australia have sealed a spot in the WTC finals set to be held in June against South Africa, who have already qualified to win the coveted Test mace at the Lord’s.