NewKerala.com

Key Points

Usman Khawaja endured a tough outing, lasting 20 balls without scoring before falling to Kagiso Rabada. He now shares the joint-third longest duck by an Australian in Tests alongside Sammy Jones. South Africa's Temba Bavuma chose to bowl first, banking on overcast conditions at Lord's. Pat Cummins remained unfazed, backing Australia's preparation for the WTC final.

Key Points: Usman Khawaja Joins Warner in Longest WTC Final Duck Record

  • Khawaja edges Rabada for 20-ball duck
  • Joins Warner, Marsh in slowest dismissals
  • Bavuma bowls first citing overhead conditions
  • Cummins confident despite gloomy start
2 min read

Australia's Usman Khawaja joins unwanted list during 20-ball duck in WTC final against SA

Australia's Usman Khawaja matches David Warner's 20-ball duck in WTC final against South Africa, joining an unwanted list of slowest dismissals.

"Happy to bat first. Looks like a good wicket with a few clouds. – Pat Cummins"

London, June 11

Australia left-hand batter Usman Khawaja registered an unfortunate record, becoming the Aussie with joint-third longest duck during the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's, in the World Test Championship final on Wednesday.

Khawaja was dismissed in the seventh over by Proteas right-arm seamer Kagiso Rabada after playing 20 balls in his innings as he edged the ball to slips.

The other three openers on this list are David Warner (22 balls), Shaun Marsh (21 balls), and Sammy Jones (20 balls).

Earlier, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bowl against the defending champions Australia under the gloomy sky at the venue in the WTC final.

After winning the toss, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said, "We will have a bowl first, looking at the overhead conditions. Too late to change the team; we have selected the best combination. All 15 of us are confident. It is a massive final; it should be a spectacle out here."

Australia skipper Pat Cummins was happy to bat and said during the time of the toss, "Happy to bat first. Looks like a good wicket with a few clouds. Prep wise it has been unreal, 15 guys working very hard for that title. You get used to it the more you are playing, we have had about 10 days prep and we are ready. Doesn't feel like any extra pressure. WE've been here before and we've won it. This week is all about enjoying the moment."

Squads:

South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Tough day for Khawaja! 😬 But this is test cricket - even the best have bad days. Rabada's bowling was top class today. As an Indian fan, watching this makes me nervous for when we face SA next!
P
Priya M.
Khawaja has been so consistent lately, this was unexpected. Shows how pressure of big finals can get to anyone. Hope he bounces back in second innings. Meanwhile, our Indian team must be taking notes from this match!
A
Arjun S.
Rabada is bowling like a man possessed! This WTC final is proving why test cricket is the real deal. Khawaja's duck is unfortunate but that's cricket - one moment you're king, next moment you're back in the hut.
S
Sneha R.
Watching this match makes me miss our Indian team in the final! 😔 But seriously, conditions at Lord's look brutal for batting. Khawaja faced 20 balls without scoring - shows the quality of bowling. Hope BCCI is watching and preparing our boys for next cycle!
V
Vikram J.
Cricket can be so cruel! Khawaja was Australia's rock in last WTC cycle and now this. But no excuses - Rabada bowled a dream spell. This is why test cricket is the ultimate examination of skill and temperament.
N
Neha P.
As much as I feel for Khawaja, this match is showing why we need more test matches between top teams. The quality is just different! Also, Bavuma's decision to bowl first was spot on - Indian captains should take note about reading conditions better.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50