Delhi Test: Usman Khawaja was proactive and frightened India a bit bit, says Ian Chappell

Ian Chappell praised Usman Khawaja for being proactive throughout his innings on Friday and mentioned that the Australian opener’s batting did frighten India a bit bit on day one. Khawaja scored 81 runs off 125 deliveries within the first innings.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 17, 2023 22:28 IST

Khawaja scored 81 runs off 125 deliveries on Friday (Courtesy: AP)

By India Today Web Desk: Ian Chappell hailed Usman Khawaja for being proactive throughout his innings towards India on Friday within the Delhi Test and mentioned that the opener scared the hosts a bit on day one.

Khawaja performed a beautiful knock of 81 from 125 deliveries and hit 12 boundaries and a six and gave the Aussies the higher hand within the early goings of the match.

The opener could not get getting in Nagpur however gave the impression to be in advantageous contact within the second Test. Chappell, whereas speaking to Cricinfio, mentioned that the 36-year-old was fairly proactive and used the reverse sweep to good impact.

The Australian legend additionally mentioned that Khawaja was capable of frighten the Indian workforce a bit bit together with his batting.

“You can’t really bring Nagpur into Khawaja as he was out cheaply and early in both innings. But I thought he was quite proactive and he used the reverse sweep to effect. I think he frightened the Indians a little bit,” mentioned Chappell.

Chappell additionally went on to say that he felt India have been reacting to the pictures being performed and putting the fields accordingly.

“It is hard to tell as a captain who captained well before the bats became bigger. But I still think that you have got to keep fielders in place to take catches, rather than reacting to some of the shots. I thought there were times when India reacted to the shots, the sweep shots and placed fields for those rather than keeping guys in catching positions. I don’t think the odd person who can reverse sweep well but not many. And I think if you keep fielders in catching positions, sooner or later, someone who would reverse sweep, if you get the ball to bounce a little bit, it catches a top edge and that’s where the ball goes. But to his credit, Khawaja pushed the field back and was able to take advantage,” mentioned Chappell.

Despite the brilliance of Khawaja, the Australian innings folded with 263 runs on the board.

Published On:

Feb 17, 2023