Australian opener Usman Khawaja is in the line of fire from Cricket Australia after terming the Perth Stadium pitch for the first Ashes Test a “piece of s**t.” His frank criticism has raised the hackles of the board officials, more so since the ICC match referee had rated the same pitch as “very good.” The controversy has come even as Australia won by eight wickets against England to go 1-0 up in the Ashes series.
Why is Cricket Australia Upset with Khawaja’s remark?
Cricket Australia is reportedly unhappy with Khawaja’s language and the direct attack on the surface used for one of the marquee fixtures of the Test calendar. Reports suggest that CA officials expect a formal explanation from the opener, as the comment contradicts the ICC match referee Ranjan Madugalle’s positive assessment of the wicket.
For the board, Khawaja’s statement publicly undermines the quality of conditions prepared for an Ashes Test and could invite unnecessary scrutiny on Australian venues.
What did Usman Khawaja say about the Perth pitch?
During the Usman Khawaja Foundation event, the left-handed batter reproached the Perth track, citing variable bounce, undue movement that caused so many issues to experienced batters.
“Nineteen wickets on the first day and about 20 people got hit, that’s a great wicket, that seems real fair,” he said with sarcasm.
Usman Khawaja also pointed out that if someone like Steve Smith-somebody who never misses the middle of his bat-is getting hit every time owing to variable bounce, then that is a sign of a substandard pitch behavior.
Khawaja doubled down, calling the opening-day surface a “piece of s**t,” adding that similar issues had occurred in previous years as well.
Was The Criticism Justified After A Two-Day Finish?
The match ended inside two days, raising eyebrows across the cricketing world. Australia bowled England out cheaply and Travis Head’s brilliant 123 helped the hosts chase down 205 despite a tricky surface.
However, Khawaja’s criticism reflects dissatisfaction from a player’s perspective, even if the team won convincingly. While CA focuses on preserving the reputation of Test venues, players have increasingly spoken about extreme pitch behaviour in recent seasons.
How Did The First Ashes Test Match Unfolded?
Australia’s eight-wicket victory gave them control of the five-match Ashes series early on. It was a Test dominated by the bowlers, but Head’s counterattacking century was the difference-making performance. All eyes are now on the second Test in Brisbane, starting on December 4, at The Gabba.
A pink-ball Test only adds to the intrigue of the contest. With Australia leading 1-0, a desperate England need to hit back, while how the CA handles Khawaja’s comments could set the tone for the next encounter.
