‘I can’t believe you can actually say that’ – Usman Khawaja feels crowd has gone too far with abuse in Ashes 2023

Ollie Robinson and Usman Khawaja. (Photo Source: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Star Australian batter Usman Khawaja feels that abuse from the crowd towards players has gone too far in the Ashes 2023. Notably, Khawaja got into an ugly confrontation with MCC members following the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow on Day 5 of the second Test at Lord’s. The incident took place as the Australian team was making their way back to the pavilion for Lunch when a few MCC members got into an argument with Khawaja.

Following the incident, three members were suspended for their unruly behaviour. However, Khawaja is also concerned about the language being used by the English fans for the players and said that he wouldn’t want his kids to be around that.

“Personally, if I am coming to the cricket and watching the cricket, I wouldn’t want my kids to be around that. If I saw that I would 100 percent make a complaint or just leave. I think some of the stuff can be pretty poor. Over at Edgbaston, they were calling Travis Head a c… you know what. I’m like I can’t believe you can actually say that in a public domain anywhere,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Further, speaking about the hostile crowd behaviour, he said that he feels that isn’t the right thing to do even if England are receiving it in Australia.

“If you talk about it to England guys, they say we are equally as rough when [they go to Australia]. I don’t agree with it either way. I don’t think it’s the right thing to do,” he added.

Australia one win away from a historic win

Notably, Khawaja is the leading run-scorer of the series so far with 356 runs to his name from three matches at an average of 59.33. The Southpaw will look to continue his incredible form as the two teams lock horns in the fourth Test beginning on Wednesday, July 19 at the Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

Australia are leading the series 2-1 and are just one win away from winning their first Ashes series in England since 2001. On the other hand, England need to win both the remaining matches to regain the Ashes after eight years.