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BGT 2024-25: Clarke Critical Of Khawaja For Allowing McSweeney To Face First Ball In Second Innings
Former Australia Test: Former Australia Test captain Michael Clarke was critical of Usman Khawaja's decision to allow debutant opener Nathan McSweeney to face the first ball in Australia's second innings against India, saying the veteran batter had to "own the moment" in Perth.
After India set them a mammoth target of 534 after declaring their second innings at 487/6, thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, Australia had to deal with a tricky period on day three, which started on a false note as McSweeney lasted just four balls before being trapped lbw by Jasprit Bumrah.
Khawaja himself was dismissed on day four when the top-edge on his pull off Mohammed Siraj was caught by Rishabh Pant moving to his right. "A lot of people don't like taking first ball, so the opening batters rotate. Khawaja took the first ball in the first innings and now they're saying it's McSweeney (for the second innings)."
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