Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja out as Konstas is set to open for Australia in 4th Test In the world of sports, exciting news has emerged that 19-year-old Sam Konstas has been called up to the Australian Test squad for the last two Tests against India. The young and talented right-handed batter has a proven track record in First Class cricket and is expected to open for the Baggy Greens in the upcoming Boxing Day Test. With established players like Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja being dropped, Konstas has the chance to make a name for himself and establish a place in the Australian team. Having already recorded a fast fifty by a Sydney Thunder batter, all eyes will be on this potential new star in the making.
Rain played a major role on the first day of the third Test match between Australia and India in Brisbane, with only 13.2 overs being bowled. The hosts, led by openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, were able to score 28 runs without losing a wicket before the day's play was called off due to the weather. The series is currently tied at 1-1, with Australia winning the day-night Test in Adelaide and India winning the first game in Perth. India will have to win at least two of the remaining three Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final at Lord's.
Australia's senior batters, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, are under pressure to perform in the next two Tests or they risk setting an unwanted record for the longest spell without a Test century in the team's recent history. Despite not reaching triple digits in their last 24 and 27 innings respectively, fast bowler Pat Cummins has faith in his teammates, especially after witnessing Smith's impressive form in the nets. However, the team's overall struggle to score centuries has become a growing concern, with only three individual hundreds being scored in the last seven Tests.
On the first day of the second test between Australia and India, it was a thrilling back-and-forth battle as Australia's Mitchell Starc dominated with 6-48, his best test figures. India crumbled and were dismissed for 180 all out, with Starc removing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal with the very first ball of the match. In reply, Australia lost opener Usman Khawaja to Jasprit Bumrah's excellent bowling, but finished the day at 86-1 with Nathan McSweeney not out on 38 and Marnus Labuschagne on 20. McSweeney showed maturity in his second test, while Labuschagne overcame a nervy start and aims for a big score after a lean spell.
In an early test of luck in the highly-anticipated Border Gavaskar Trophy, Indian batsman KL Rahul got two reprieves in quick succession during the first Test against Australia in Adelaide. Australian fast bowler Scott Boland seemed to have claimed Rahul's wicket on his first ball of the match, but a no-ball call saved the Indian opener. In the same over, Rahul was also dropped by Usman Khawaja in the slips. However, he was unable to capitalize on the opportunities and was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for 37.
On the fourth day of the first Test between Australia and India, Mohammed Siraj showed his potential as a fast bowler by dismissing two of Australia's top batsmen - Usman Khawaja and Steven Smith. With just four wickets down, Australia were struggling to chase a target of 534 runs. However, Travis Head and Smith formed a partnership to revive Australia's hopes, until Siraj struck again and ended their stand. With the pitch playing tricks, Siraj proved to be a vital asset for India, redeeming himself after a poor performance against New Zealand.
Despite approaching 38 years of age, Usman Khawaja has proven himself as a vital member of Australia's cricket team. Former captain Tim Paine has expressed his confidence in Khawaja's ability to continue representing his country, citing his impressive form and consistency as an opener. Paine believes that age is just a number for the talented batsman, who has been one of the best in the world at his position for the past two years.
Ahead of their upcoming matches against Scotland and England, top Australian cricketers participate in a fun but revealing lie-detector test. Captain Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Usman Khawaja all shared some secrets about each other, with some interesting answers being revealed. The team is set to begin their long season with a T20 series against Scotland before taking on England and India.
Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja reflects on his team's surprise loss to Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup, calling them a strong team. He also highlights the importance of the upcoming match against India as a crucial moment for Australia. Despite their recent defeat, Khawaja expresses confidence in Australia's process-oriented approach to the game under the leadership of Mitchell Starc and Andrew McDonald, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
Despite tensions between Cricket Australia and Afghanistan, the Afghan cricket team put on an impressive performance and beat formidable Australia in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024. Veteran opener Usman Khawaja showed great sportsmanship by praising the team and acknowledging their strength and resilience. This comes after Cricket Australia's past decision to not play international matches against Afghanistan due to the Taliban's restrictions on female participation in sport. Fans and players alike are applauding Afghanistan for their spirited performance and taking revenge for their heartbreaking ODI World Cup defeat in 2023.