Usman Khawaja, an Australian opener, struck a spectacular 180 to help his team post 480 runs before India bowled them out on day two of the fourth Test on Friday. The tourists were in the driver’s seat in Ahmedabad thanks to Khawaja’s massive innings off 422 balls and his 208-run fifth-wicket combination with Green. Khawaja’s unique stroke was evident as he quickly reached his first Test century on Indian soil on Thursday before extending it the next day.
Praise for the southpaw never stopped pouring, from both cricket experts and past players. The player received cheers from the large Ahmedabad crowd as well, but the cheers from his daughters, who were at home watching their father’s knock, were undoubtedly the most poignant. “Uzzys littlest supporters here at home cheering him on! Hi Dadda,” wrote Usman Khawaja’s wife Rachel while sharing the picture of their daughter watching the knock on TV.
Khawaja stood out during his extended innings, which came to an end on the first ball after tea when Axar Patel trapped the left-hander for a no-ball. India was successful in having the on-field umpire’s decision overturned after reviewing it. In the largest cricket stadium in the world, the Indian assault was led by off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who claimed six wickets on a field that was still favourable for batting.
By the end of the innings, India was 36 for no loss but still 444 runs behind the visitors. The Australian spinners, who delivered five of the final ten overs before play was called off, were attacked by the skipper Rohit Sharma, who was on 17, and Shubman Gill, who was on 18. The opening pair smashed four boundaries between them including a big six by Gill off senior Australia spinner Nathan Lyon.