World Cup 2023: Reasons Why Australia Are Wrong To Snub Usman Khawaja

Australia’s cricketing prowess in the One Day International (ODI) World Cup is a tale of relentless dominance, excellence, and a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the sport. With an unparalleled track record in the tournament, the Australian cricket team has consistently demonstrated its supremacy over the years. Australia’s ODI World Cup journey began in 1975 when the inaugural tournament was held in England. 

The team clinched their first title in 1987 under the leadership of Allan Border. This victory marked the beginning of their remarkable run in the ODI World Cup, setting the stage for future generations of Australian cricketers.

One of the key elements of Australia’s dominance in the ODI World Cup has been its ability to adapt and evolve with the changing dynamics of the game. Whether it was the era of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson in the 1970s or the dominance of Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting in the 2000s, Australian cricket has consistently produced world-class talent. 

The team’s winning mentality, unwavering self-belief, and commitment to excellence have been the driving forces behind their success. They have consistently displayed a formidable blend of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and exceptional fielding, setting the benchmark for ODI cricket.

Australia’s five World Cup victories (1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015) make them the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Each win was a testament to their ability to perform under pressure, even in high-stakes finals. The 1999 World Cup final, where they defeated Pakistan in a dramatic encounter, and the 2003 final, where they outclassed India, are memorable examples of their championship pedigree.

The Australian Cricket Board has announced their squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup. There are a few names that are missing out but the biggest surprise was the absence of Usman Khawaja from the team. Here are the two reasons why Australian Cricket was wrong in not selecting Usman Khawaja for their World Cup campaign.

1) Khawaja’s Expertise on Indian Pitches

Khawaja’s success in India can be attributed to a number of factors. First, he is a very good player of spin bowling. He has a strong technique against spin, and he is able to rotate the strike and score runs even when the ball is turning. Second, Khawaja is very patient. He is not afraid to wait for the right ball to hit, and he is able to build his innings slowly and steadily. 

This is important in India, where the pitches can be slow and the bowlers can be very patient. He has displayed his brilliance on Indian pitches during the 2019 tour. With 383 runs in 5 matches, Usman showcased his class against Indian bowlers. The left-handed batter can do major damage to the bowlers in the starting overs and hence Australian cricket should rethink their choice of squad.

2) Boosting Team Morale

Usman Khawaja is an experienced and in-form batsman who can play a key role in boosting the morale of the Australian team in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Khawaja has a calm and composed demeanour, which can be a calming influence on the team, especially during tough times. He is also a very positive person, and he always believes that the team can win. 

This positive attitude can be infectious, and it can help to lift the spirits of the team. Khawaja’s presence in the team can give the other batsmen confidence. They know that they have a reliable batsman at the other end who can score runs and help them build partnerships. This can be a big boost to the team’s morale, especially if they are struggling.