Usman Khawaja. (Photo Source: BCCI)
Former Australia cricketer Damien Fleming believes Usman Khawaja could help Pat Cummins-led side in winning the opening Test of the 2023 Ashes at Edgbaston in Birmingham. On Day 4 of the ongoing Test, England were bundled out for 273 in their second innings. Meanwhile, Khawaja (34* and Scott Boland (13*) provided a bit of resistance as Australia reached 107/3 at stumps on Day 4 and they now needed 174 runs to win. Notably, the visitors have already lost crucial wickets of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith.
Fleming was asked about his prediction for Day 5 during a conversation on the SEN podcast ‘Whateley.’ According to the former cricketer, the in-form Khawaja will win the game for the visiting side. He went on to say that he wanted Boland to go to 30 or 25, which is equivalent to a ton for a night watchman.
“I am going Aussies. Usman (Khawaja) is going to get us home. I want (Scott) Boland to get to 30 or 25, that’s like a hundred for a night-watchman. I want him to raise his bat,” Fleming said.
The 53-year-old went on to say that Australia have enough batting remaining and that Travis Head is capable of finishing. He further admitted that he doesn’t want the match to go down.
“I think we have got enough there. Travis Head can finish it early. I thought (Cameron) Green and (Alex) Carey batted beautifully but I don’t want it to get down to No. 9, 10 and 11 to be honest,” he added.
I can’t see how it’s not going to be a thriller: Fleming
Fleming was concerned that cloudy conditions on Day 5 would make Australia‘s task challenging. He also stated that England’s strong seam-bowling attack will make Australia’s job even more difficult. He also stated that he is hoping for a sunny day and that he will be backing the Aussies.
“I can’t see how it’s not going to be a thriller. My concern for Australia tomorrow is we are going to wake up and hopefully the rain stopped, but it’s going to be muggy and the ball is going to move around a lot.
“They do have three very skilled fast-medium bowlers, sorry four if (Ben) Stokes is fit and he swings the ball both ways, it’s going to be a really tough chase for the Australians. If we are happy to wake up in bright sunshine, I will be backing the Aussies,” Fleming concluded.