‘That’s the only thing I didn’t like’ – Usman Khawaja taunts Pakistan fans for cheering his fall

Tension was high in the cricketing circles over the fate of the ongoing Test series between Pakistan and Australia following a deadly blast in a mosque in Peshawar that killed and injured several but friendly scenes in Rawalpindi ahead of the fourth day’s play of the opening Test match between the two sides calmed the nerves.

Usman Khawaja, the Pakistan-born Australia cricketer who missed his ton by a whisker on the third day, was seen engaging along with his teammates with the Pakistani players as the two sides waited for the fourth day’s play to start. The day’s game saw a delayed start due to inclement weather and a wet outfield.

The Test was headed for a dull draw as Australia scored 449 for 7 at stumps on the penultimate day in reply to Pakistan’s 476 for 4 declared in the first-ever red-ball game between the two powerhouses of cricket on the Pakistani soil since 1998.

Khawaja was given out via DRS

Khawaja, who scored 97 off 159 balls in the opening slot, expressed his gratitude towards Rawalpindi and Islamabad, where he was born, for their hospitality towards the Australia players. However, the 35-year-old southpaw did not forget to cheekily taunt the crowd for cheering when he got out via the decision review system (DRS).

“Thank you, Pindi, Thank you, Islamabad. Crowd has been really good. Everyone has supported us here. You cheered when the DRS showed I was out (smiles)..that’s the only thing I didn’t like,” Khawaja said. He was caught at forward short leg by Imam-ul-Haq off the bowling of Nauman Ali while attempting a reverse sweep.

It apparently looked like the ball had missed Khawaja’s bat and had come off either his arm or pad. Pakistan challenged the on-field umpire’s call and it was seen that the ball actually hit the batter’s wrist area off the glove, which led to umpire Aleem Dar overturning his decision and giving the Australian out.

In the video in which players from the two teams were seen interacting, Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne was seen repeatedly pronouncing his name “Marrnuss, Marrnuss.” He was seen speaking to Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who was busy looking at the Australian’s bat. Labuschagne also fell close to a ton (90 off 158 balls) in the first innings.

Pakistan players Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sajid Khan were also seen interacting with the Australian players in the video.

The two teams are playing a three-match series for the Benaud-Qadir Trophy.