Ashes 2023: ‘I thought his time was almost up,’ says Gillespie for Usman Khawaja

Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie has admitted that he thought opener Usman Khawaja’s time was over a few years ago and the left-hander’s 141 in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston proved him wrong. Were happy

Australia were struggling after losing David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the first session on Saturday. But Khawaja led the charge for Australia, rebuilding the innings with a brilliant 126 not out, his maiden Test century in England, while sharing crucial partnerships of 81 and 72 with Head and Cameron Green to take them to 311/1 at stumps. To take on 5, was trailing. England by 82 runs.

On Sunday, Khawaja added 15 more runs before being bowled by Ollie Robinson, hitting 14 fours and three sixes in 321 balls.

“A few years ago, I saw Usman Khawaja play for Queensland in a Sheffield Shield match when I was coaching South Australia. I remember saying: ‘I think he’s outdone it. I don’t think there is much left.

“I thought he was a little slow and he was struggling. I thought his time was almost up. Well, he certainly proved me wrong and I’m happy to admit that. You Love it when players show they still have a lot to give.” wrote Gillespie in his column for the Daily Mail on Sunday.

Gillespie, who is currently coaching South Australia in the domestic cricket circuit, has established himself as a mainstay in the team since scoring 137 and 101 not out in his unexpected comeback Test against England in the 2021/22 Ashes in Sydney. Khwaja was also praised.

“It all goes back to that sliding door moment in January 2022 when Travis Head caught Covid before the fourth Ashes Test and Usman got his chance and scored a hundred in each innings. He wasn’t expecting that chance and Playing every game now. Like it’s his last, with a really clear mind.”

Gillespie further noted that Khawaja’s resurgence, which has seen him score Test centuries in Australia, Pakistan, India and England in the recent past, reminded how former opener and head coach Justin Langer had made a difference when he returned to the team. Scored in the same vein. for long format.

“It reminds me of when Justin Langer replaced Michael Slater for the final Test of the Ashes in 2001. He thought he was in a last-chance saloon and so he had this attitude, ‘I’m just trying to get the most out of him’. Going to make more.” I’ll enjoy the battle, enjoy the challenge, just play and have fun’.”

“Justin built a great career with that attitude and mindset. And I see a lot of parallels between the situation Justin was in and where Osman finds himself now,” he concluded.