Hear what Aussie star Usman Khawaja said as he hit Ollie Robinson with a brilliant comeback after the Ashes ‘bad guy’ attacked him again after his headline-grabbing F-bomb explosion
Australian standout hitter Usman Khawaja had the final say on Ashes ‘bad guy’ Ollie Robinson as the duo faced off for the second time in the Test at Edgbaston.
England’s speedy Robinson was slammed by Aussie fans and some sections of the media after he was brutally sent off when he swept the Australian opener off for 141 – and on day five, with the result on the line, the duo again confronted.
Before the drinks in the rain-delayed first session, Robinson suggested Khawaja batted with a defensive mindset as Pat Cummins’ men chased 281 for the win.
He was heard saying, “A present, isn’t it?” A half-volley with the pitch in the air’ as he blamed the Aussie for not being aggressive enough
Khawaja had none of that.
Australian striker Usman Khawaja had the final say on Ashes ‘villain’ Ollie Robinson as the first Test went to the wire in Edgbaston
Robinson (pictured, celebrating after taking the wicket from Cameron Green on day five of the Ashes First Test) is a fierce contender and insisted the swap wasn’t personal
‘It’s tough out there. Don’t hit that. That’s why you’re not a drummer, he retorted.
Fellow Englishman Jimmy Anderson – who in his prime was a master at mentally knocking opponents offside – stepped in as a peacemaker as the situation threatened to escalate.
Referee Marais Erasmus was also spotted telling Robinson to keep his cool when drinks were called moments later.
After appearing to say to Khawaja, ‘F**k off, you f**king p***k!’ after taking his wicket in the first innings, Robinson said it was just a heat exchange of the moment.
“I don’t care how it’s perceived,” Robinson said of the first incident.
“It’s the Ashes, it’s professional sport. If you can’t handle this, what can you handle?
“When you’re in the heat of the moment and you have the passion for ashes, it can happen.
Khawaja put Robinson in his place, pointing out the fiery quick’s lack of batting prowess
“We’ve all seen Ricky Ponting and other Aussies do this to us, so just because the shoe is on the other foot it’s not well received.
“For me, this is my first Ashes house and getting the big wicket back then was special to me. Getting that wicket for the team was huge.
“We all want that theater of play and I’m here to provide it.”
Wicketkeeper Alex Carey insisted the Australians had no problem with Robinson.
“Usman didn’t say anything,” he said.
“It’s the Ashes, sometimes it’s going to be quite exciting and hostile cricket,” he said. “I didn’t see anything above there.”
The second test at Lord’s begins on June 28.
