Fans on Twitter reacted with mixed emotions after Australia declared the innings with Usman Khawaja 5 runs short of double century the ongoing third Test against South Africa. They praised the batter for his wonderful show with the bat and, saying that he’s most underrated batter and deserves all the appreciation.
Usman Khawaja missed a Golden opportunity to score a Double century
Australia and South Africa are currently locking horns in the third and the final Test of the series at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The hosts’ opener Usman Khawaja has made sure that he cash in the opportunity of the good batting surface and took his team in a comfortable position.
Opening the batting, Khawaja looked at his classical best as he give his team a staggering start after they lost David Warner early. The southpaw crafted his innings staggering well and paved his way through half-century first. However, he didn’t stop there as he kept showing patience and grit while punishing bad balls at the same time.
Khawaja reached his 13th Test century off 206 balls and became only the fourth player to score hundreds in three consecutive Test innings at the SCG. He continued his carnage on the Proteas pacers and made them look clueless.
The left-hander remained stranded on 195 as rain forced umpires to call early stumps on Day 2 and Day 3. However, Australia declared the innings with overnight score and Australian opener missed the great opportunity to score a double century
Fans on Twitter react to Australia’s declaration
Khawaja needed just one over to reach 200 but Aussies declared 😭.
-Batting for 2-3 overs this morning would NOT have harmed the Aussies’ victory plan.
-It was harsh & he said it yesterday. But then its an Animal Farm ✍️#AUSvsRSA pic.twitter.com/g4ia3dONvn— Larry Moyo (@larry_moyo) January 7, 2023
Pat Cummins & Usman Khawaja pic.twitter.com/oQ3qaJttnR
— Aravind (@aravindn02) January 7, 2023
@SevenNetwork Why did Australia declare before giving Khawaja a chance to get 5 more runs? A bit tough IMHO 😳
— Rick Watkin (@TheNewVoice1) January 7, 2023
Oof. Super harsh. Surely you could have said "mate, you've got 5 overs" – even 1 over! And given him a chance!
Ouch! #AUSvsRSA #KhawajaPat Cummins under fire as Usman Khawaja call divides cricket world https://t.co/mHnZUnEdBe
— Jane-Elise Cherry (@jecherry_SP) January 7, 2023
It’s quite strange to see #Australia declare when @Uz_Khawaja was just 5 runs short of his 200! Reminds me of Rahul Dravid declaring against Pakistan when @sachin_rt was on 194! #AUSvsRSA
— Ashfaq (@AFramewala) January 7, 2023
