Ian Chappell, a former Australian cricketer, was immensely impressed with Usman Khawaja’s batting approach against India on the opening day of the fourth and final Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, 2023.
Usman Khawaja hit his fourteenth Test century of his career on Day 1 of the fourth Test to put Australia in control. Even though the scoring pace was slow, Khawaja maintained his composure as he played and maneuvered the Indian bowlers to perfection.
On the other side, the performance of the Indian bowlers was fairly subpar. With Usman Khawaja still at the crease after having taken four wickets, they will have their work cut out for them on Day 2. Ian Chappell was particularly upset with India’s weak bowling strategies, especially against Khawaja.
Ian Chappell scratches his head as he attempts to grasp India’s bowling strategies.
“One thing I cannot comprehend is India’s ambition to always bowl around the wicket to a left-hander. It makes absolutely no sense to me. Right-arm over the wicket is the most difficult bowler to face, according to all the left-handed batsmen with whom I’ve spoken. It’s acceptable to occasionally switch things up around the wicket “The 79-year-old stated in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.
Ian Chappell was forthright in his criticism of India. What troubled him the most was the attitude of the Indian bowling unit, particularly against opener Usman Khawaja. The former top-order batsman began by heaping praise on Khawaja, noting that the 36-year-old has displayed great composure and consistency thus far in this Test series.
Ian Chappell remarked that it was not particularly difficult for the Indian bowlers to devise a strategy to eliminate Khawaja. To face a left-handed batsman, all they had to do was shift the direction of their bowling attack, as is the norm.
“Maybe around the wicket is more effective in England. But in India, that is absurd, especially for Usman Khawaja, whose greatest strength is his onside, as we saw today. Why would you aim the ball at his pads when it is precisely what he desires? Khawaja seems at ease throughout. India haven’t had a strategy to counter Khawaja’s batting, and it’s really beginning to affect them “Chappell concluded his remarks.
India
