Friday, March 29TRUSTED FEARLESS INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL NEWS PORTAL

Tag: Usman Khawaja

Sports

Usman Khawaja forced to remove black dove sticker from bat during first Test against New Zealand | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The controversy surrounding the black dove sticker resurfaced on Day 3 of the first Test between Australia and New Zealand at Wellington's Basin Reserve, as Australian opener Usman Khawaja was compelled to remove the emblem from his bat during the match.During Australia's second innings on Saturday morning, Khawaja encountered an unfortunate incident when his bat fractured, necessitating the removal of the black dove sticker from the replacement bat. SCORECARD: NZ vs AUS, 1st TestThe thirty-six-year-old had to comply with the regulations and take off the decal, featuring a dove clutching an olive branch, before continuing his batting. The controversy stemmed from the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rejection of Khawaja's request to wear the dove sticker during the Test ...
Sports

Usman Khawaja forced to remove banned dove bat sticker during Australia vs New Zealand Test

Australia opener Usman Khawaja was forced to remove a banned dove sticker from a replacement bat during the second innings against New Zealand in the Wellington Test on Monday. Batting on day three after Australia had a 217-run lead overnight, Khawaja was forced to call in for a replacement equipment in the opening session after cracking his bat. Substitute Matthew Renshaw came in with a few options before Khawaja settled on a bat that sported a dove logo with an olive branch – a sticker that got him in a row with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and eventually restricted from displaying on his gear. In December 2023, Khawaja’s request to request to wear the dove sticker was struck down by the ICC ahead of the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan. The logo acts as a symbol to raise a...
Sports

2nd Test: Steve Smith guides Australia to healthy position at stumps against West Indies | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Steve Smith steered Australia to a promising position, with the team reaching 60-2 at stumps on the third day of the second Test against the West Indies in Brisbane on Saturday.With a target of 156 runs remaining for victory and eight wickets in hand, Australia is on the verge of a clean sweep in the two-Test series.As the day concluded, Smith stood at 33 runs, accompanied by a struggling Cameron Green at 9.The outlook for Australia's pursuit of victory may be overshadowed by the forecast of heavy rain predicted for the next two days.Australia completed the dismissal of the West Indies' second innings for 193 shortly after the tea break. The closure occurred when No.11 batsman Shamar Joseph had to leave the field due to injury after being struck on the toe by a bouncer from M...
Sports

‘Unfortunately, I don’t sit in the…’: Rohit Sharma on Shoaib Bashir’s visa issues | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: England's rookie off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, poised for a debut in the five-Test series against India, faces an unexpected setback as visa issues have delayed his arrival, prompting the young talent to return home from the team's Abu Dhabi training base. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, India captain Rohit Sharma expressed empathy for Bashir, acknowledging the disappointment of the delay. "I feel for him. He is coming, I think, for the first time. Unfortunately, I don't sit in the visa office to make the decision. Hopefully, he will make it here soon," Rohit said, expressing hope for a swift resolution.This delay is reminiscent of a similar situation faced by Australian opener Usman Khawaja last year when he arrived late for the Test series in India. Bashir's delayed ...
Sports

Covid-19 strikes Australian team ahead of second Test against West Indies | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia's cricket team has been hit by Covid-19 ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, with all-rounder Cameron Green and coach Andrew McDonald testing positive on Wednesday. This comes after batter Travis Head had contracted Covid-19 at the end of the first Test in Adelaide last week, although he has since tested negative and will be available for the second Test in Brisbane.Despite testing positive, unless they are too unwell, Green and McDonald are expected to be involved in the match. "Cameron Green and Andrew McDonald will be separated from the group until they return a negative test. It will not hinder Green taking part in or McDonald attending the match in line with CA protocols," Cricket Australia mentioned in a statement.Covid-19 protocols allow players ...
Sports

AUS vs WI: Usman Khawaja cleared of jaw fracture and passes concussion Test after taking a blow to helmet

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been cleared of jaw fracture and passed the concussion test after getting hit by debutant bowler Shamar Joseph’s sharp bouncer’s blow onto the helmet during the first Australia vs West Indies Test in Adelaide. The incident occurred when the scores were leveled at 25 in the final innings of the Test. The southpaw was seen spitting blood and was feeling his upper jaw and was retired hurt. He cleared the initial concussion test and was sent to scans where he was cleared of the fracture. Skipper Pat Cummins speaking to the reporters after the game said, “He seems okay but will be monitored.” Khawaja is being monitored by the medical staff if there is any delayed concussion. Josh Hazelwood stars in Australia’s triumph Josh Hazlewood claimed his 11th five-w...
Sports

Australia vs West Indies: Usman Khawaja in doubt for second Test after blow to jaw | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia opener Usman Khawaja is uncertain for the second Test against West Indies after sustaining a blow to his jaw during the series opener in Adelaide. Despite Australia securing a convincing 10-wicket victory inside seven sessions, Khawaja's potential absence is a concern for the home team.The incident occurred when Khawaja was hit on the helmet by a short delivery from West Indies' Shamar Joseph.The 37-year-old opener retired hurt after the blow, spitting blood and indicating discomfort in his jaw before leaving the field. Although he passed an initial concussion test, Khawaja underwent scans, and his condition will be reevaluated on Saturday.Australian captain Pat Cummins provided an update, stating, "He seemed okay, just a little bit of a sore jaw. We'll monitor it, ...
Sports

1st Test: Australia crush West Indies by 10 wickets at Adelaide Oval | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: World champions Australia clinched a resounding victory over a depleted West Indies side by 10 wickets inside seven sessions at the Adelaide Oval on Friday. Josh Hazlewood emerged as the star performer, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul with figures of 5/35.The match witnessed a dramatic incident as Usman Khawaja was forced to retire hurt after a blow to the head by West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph, just one run shy of victory.Marnus Labuschagne then sealed the win for Australia off the second ball he faced.Australia's dominance was evident throughout the match, with a substantial first-innings lead of 95 putting them firmly in control of the low-scoring contest. Hazlewood's dismantling of the West Indies top order on Thursday set the tone for the inevitable victory.W...
Sports

Australia vs West Indies 1st Test: Debutant Shamar Joseph Shines in Adelaide | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Debutant Shamar Joseph emerged as the star of the show, leaving an indelible mark on the opening Test between Australia and the West Indies in a thrilling turn of events at the Adelaide Oval. The 24-year-old all-rounder showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, providing hope for the West Indies in a game finely poised after the first day's play.Winning the toss and elected to bowl on a cool and overcast morning, Australian captain Pat Cummins saw his decision pay dividends as the West Indies struggled to find their footing. Scorecard: AUS vs WI, 1st Test Day 1Josh Hazlewood, spearheading the Australian attack, achieved a significant milestone by claiming his 250th Test wicket. The West Indies were reeling at 133/9, with the situation looking dire for the visitors.However...
Sports

Steve Smith’s bold opening move takes center stage as Australia face West Indies in series opener | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: As Australia gear up for the series opener against West Indies at Adelaide Oval, all eyes are on newly-promoted opener Steve Smith, who is set to take on a more attacking role at the top of the order. Following the emotional farewell to David Warner in the last Test against Pakistan, Smith has taken the bold step of challenging the Caribbean attack to waste the new ball by delivering short-pitched deliveries to him.Smith, known for his technical and analytical approach to the game, has voluntarily moved up the order from No. 4 to open alongside Usman Khawaja. This strategic shift will see Smith facing the new ball, aiming to capitalize on attacking fields and exploit scoring opportunities, similar to Warner's aggressive style that characterized his illustrious 112-Test career...
Sports

Steve Smith replaces David Warner as Australia Test opener | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia's Test team is set for a major shakeup as Steve Smith takes over the opening position alongside Usman Khawaja, succeeding David Warner, ahead of the upcoming two-match series against West Indies. This announcement was made by selector George Bailey on Wednesday, addressing the media as the team prepares for the series later this month.Following Warner's retirement, speculations arose regarding potential replacements, with Smith and all-rounder Cameron Green emerging as frontrunners for the vacant opener spot. Bailey confirmed the decision, stating, "There were plenty within the team who were pretty keen to go on record and say that they weren't keen to do it. So it was refreshing that Steve had come forward and said he wanted it."Bailey praised Smith's willingness t...
Sports

‘My mum calls him Shaitan…’: Usman Khawaja reveals ‘special’ bond between his mother and David Warner | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia's swashbuckling opener David Warner on Saturday played his career's last Test match against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). In an emotional farewell in his Baggy Green, Warner contributed scores of 34 and 57 in the third and concluding Test, helping Australia secure an eight-wicket victory and claim a 3-0 series win against Pakistan.Following his farewell Test, Warner was greeted with a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.He was also observed sharing a heartfelt hug with Usman Khawaja's mother.Reflecting on this emotional moment, the left-hander's long-time team-mate Usman Khawaja recalled the strong bond between Warner and his mother. Khawaja mentioned that Warner holds a special place in his mother's heart and has been given a nickname by her - "Shait...
Sports

Usman Khawaja’s appeal against sanction for wearing black armband during 1st AUS vs PAK Test denied by ICC: Report

Usman Khawaja’s appeal against the sanction for him wearing a black armband during the first Test between Australia and Pakistan in Perth, mourning the lives of the children lost amid conflict between Israel and Palestine going on since October last year, has been denied by the International Cricket Council (ICC) according to the reports. The 37-year-old had initially planned to wear batting spikes with the slogans “all lives are equal” and “freedom is a human right” inscribed for the Test. The messages were in support of Palestinians in Gaza. He had shown off the messages during a training session before the first Test. However, Cricket Australia and the ICC had contacted him to warn him against what they deemed a political message. Khawaja had abandoned the plan to have the messages ...
Sports

ICC rejects Usman Khawaja’s appeal against armband sanction | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia opener Usman Khawaja faced a setback as his appeal against the sanction for wearing a black armband during the opening Test against Pakistan was reportedly rejected by the International Cricket Council on Sunday.In the prior month, Khawaja had been reprimanded by the ICC for donning the black armband as a gesture of mourning for the children affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict that has persisted since October last year.Born in Pakistan and being the first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket, the 37-year-old contested the reprimand, asserting that the armband was worn in memory of a personal bereavement.Nevertheless, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, it was stated that "Usman Khawaja's disciplinary action for wearing a black armband ...
Sports

3rd Test: David Warner bids adieu with a flourish as Australia sweep series against Pakistan | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a fitting farewell to the longest format of the game, David Warner's impactful innings of 57 guided Australia to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Pakistan, securing a 3-0 series sweep on Saturday. Despite being denied the opportunity to score the match-winning runs, Warner's contribution played a pivotal role in Australia's successful pursuit of a modest target of 130 runs.Scorecard: Australia vs Pakistan, 3rd TestPakistan, aiming to break a 16-game losing streak in Australia since 1995, added 47 runs to their overnight total but fell short, being dismissed for 115 just before lunch. Guard of honor for WarnerWarner, playing in his 112th and final Test match, was warmly embraced by opening partner Usman Khawaja at the boundary rope and received a guard of honor fro...
Sports

Ravichandran Ashwin in race for ICC Test Cricketer of the Year | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India's star spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is set to contend for the ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for the third occasion, having secured the honour in 2016 and receiving a nomination in 2021.Ashwin will be up against competition from Aussies Travis Head, Usman Khawaja and England's senior batsman Joe Root, as announced by the ICC on Friday.Ashwin ended the year as the top Test bowler in the ICC Rankings, taking 41 wickets at a striking average of 17.02 and recording the most five-wicket hauls by anyone in Tests -- four.Root was at the forefront of England's success in Test cricket last year. He registered 787 runs in eight Tests, finishing the year with a strong average of 65.58.Australia opener Khawaja topped the run-scoring charts in the longest format last year, amas...
Sports

Rain halts play after Pakistan dismiss Australian openers in Sydney Test | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The third Test between Australia and Pakistan in Sydney witnessed a rain-interrupted second day after the visiting team managed to secure crucial wickets, including the dismissals of Australian openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja.At the close of play, Australia stood at 116 for two, with Marnus Labuschagne at 23 and Steve Smith at six.The day's play was cut short due to bad light and rain before the scheduled tea break.Scorecard: 3rd Test Day 2The hosts found themselves trailing by 197 runs, with Warner falling short of a century in his farewell Test. Warner, known as 'the Bull,' was visibly disappointed after being caught by slip fielder Babar Azam off the bowling of offspinner Agha Salman for 34 runs. His potential second innings in this Test will be significant in concl...
Sports

Australia’s Usman Khawaja completes 7,000 international runs

Australia’s Usman Khawaja edges the ball and will be caught behind by Pakistan on the second day of their cricket test match in Sydney, on Jan. 4, 2024. | Photo Credit: AP Australian opener Usman Khawaja completed 7,000 international runs on January 4. Khawaja accomplished this milestone during Australia's third and final Test against Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). In the first innings of Australia, Khawaja scored 47 in 143 balls before he was dismissed by Aamer Jamal. His knock consisted of four boundaries. Now in 118 international matches, Khawaja has scored 7,019 runs at an average of 44.70. He has scored 17 centuries and 38 fifties in 170 innings, with the best bowling figures of 195*. In 69 Tests, Khawaja scored 5,224 runs in 122 innings at an average of 47.06. He has sc...
Sports

Australia PM praises Khawaja for showing courage amid stand-off with ICC

File picture of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese | Photo Credit: AP Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised Usman Khawaja's courage amid his standoff with the ICC after expressing solidarity with the victims of the conflict between Palestine and Israel.The ICC has barred the Australian opener from displaying messages of equality and freedom, specifically a dove logo and an olive branch on his shoes, during the Test series against Pakistan.The decision was based on the international regulation that prohibits players from showcasing personal messages on their uniforms.But his act has won him an admirer in the country's premier who touched upon Khawaja's gesture during an address to the Australian and Pakistan teams ahead of the Sydney Test."I'd like to congratu...
Sports

Australian PM Albanese applauds Usman Khawaja’s courage amid ICC stand-off | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Australia's prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has commended the courage of cricketer Usman Khawaja amidst his standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over displaying messages of equality and freedom during the Test series against Pakistan. The ICC barred Khawaja from showcasing a dove logo and an olive branch on his shoes, citing regulations against personal messages on uniforms.Prime minister Albanese expressed his solidarity with Khawaja's gesture during an address to the Australian and Pakistan teams ahead of the Sydney Test. He lauded Khawaja's courage in standing up for human values and acknowledged the team's support for the opener."I'd like to congratulate (Khawaja) for the courage he has shown standing up for human values. He has shown courage, and the f...