It’s The Ashes. Joe Root has been hit in the groin. Steven Smith is captaining his national side after almost four years and Mitchell Starc is breathing fire with the pink ball. But despite all this- Usman Khawaja manages to steal the limelight. That too, without being a part of the Australian playing eleven.
You may think that it is a miracle. But Nah, you’re wrong. It’s dance moves. Now fret not for the details as an explanation follows. Keep reading and you’ll know.
Usman Khawaja entertains the crowd with dance
Kangaroos were getting exhausted as the second test’s proceedings entered Day 5. Therefore, Mr. Khawaja was called onto the ground as a substitute fielder and he was protecting the boundary line. But England batsmen had set their minds to put on a complete block-athon. So, what does Usman do to keep himself and the spectators entertained?
He dances! In a recent video shared from Cricket Australia’s official twitter handle, Usman Khawaja can be seen showing off “The Shuffle Dance” while the crowd acknowledged his swagger with cheers. Interestingly, the mob of crowd Uzzie Khawaja entertained was a part of The Barmy Army- England Cricket’s supporting group. However, his moves were so slick that even rival fanbase couldn’t help but enjoy.
Usman Khawaja pulling out the shuffle for the Barmy Army! 👍👍 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/RD9b4Ws4ce
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 19, 2021
You’re now aware what enabled Khawaja to steal the show as a substitute fielder. Thus, let’s move on to match summary. In what was an anticlimax of a finish, Jos Buttler’s 207-ball block-athon ended owing to his own lack of lack. Buttler was out hit-wicket in the first over after tea.
Earlier, Kangaroos had piled up 703 runs off their two innings with the bat. Steven Smith roared back to form with 93 while Marnus Labushagne was lucky enroute his first ashes ton. For England, Skipper Root and Dawid Malan struck a fifty each.
Regardless, it was 25-year-old Aussie quick Jhyle Richardson who emerged as the real hero of the match. Jhye took 5/42 during the fourth innings, putting an end to the stubborn resilience of Buttler and Woakes.
This was Australia’s 9th pink-ball win in as many matches. In other words, their pink-ball record stays perfect and they’ve taken 2-0 lead in the ongoing series. It’s gonna be an uphill task for Root and his men to make a comeback hereon.