On the back of a magnificent century from opener Usman Khawaja, Australia dominated the proceedings on Day 1 of the fourth Test match on March 9 (Thursday) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The stylish southpaw remained unbeaten on 104 runs and propelled Australia's total to 255/4 at the end of Day 1. In his delightful knock, Khawaja whacked 15 fours as Indian bowlers had no answers to the southpaw's tenacity and resilience.
Former Australia captain Ian Chappell lauded Khawaja's effort with the bat and simultaneously launched a scathing attack on Rohit Sharma and his men for their 'ridiculous' game plan against the Aussie opening batter.
“I think the calmness of Khawaja has been exemplary in this series," Chappell said on ESPNCricinfo before launching a scathing attack on India's strategy.
"One thing I can't understand is India's desire to come around the wicket at all times to a left-hander. It just doesn't make any sense to me. All the good left-handers I have spoken to have said the right arm over the wicket is the toughest line to face. Ok, now for every now then for a change you can bowl around the wicket.
"It works well in England but in India, it is ridiculous. Particularly to a player like Khawaja, whose great strength is his on-side. We saw that today. Why would you angle the ball into his pads, when that's exactly what he wants.
“The other thing about Khawaja is, he looked at ease at all times. India to me, haven't come up with a solution to Khawaja's batting and it is really starting to hurt them,” the former Australian captain added.
Khawaja played second fiddle to all his partners, starting from Travis Head (32) and then Steve Smith (38) before witnessing Cameron Green (49 not out) unleash a flurry of boundaries from the best seat in the house (non-striker's end). The Aussie southpaw registered three fifty-plus partnerships before notching his 14th Test hundred in the last over of Day 1 with an elegant clip of his legs for a boundary.
Khawaja will now look to convert his century into a double ton on Day 2 and put Australia in the driver's seat early.
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