Usman Khawaja's journey to his maiden Test double century has been one marked by resilience and redemption, especially after facing a challenging period in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series at home. On the 2nd day of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, the 38-year-old Australian opener celebrated reaching the 200-run mark.
 |
| Image Credits: ESPN Cricinfo |
Khawaja's path to this milestone was not without its hurdles. In the recent BGT series, which concluded in early January this year, Khawaja encountered significant struggles against the formidable Indian pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. Over eight innings, Khawaja was dismissed by Bumrah six times, accumulating a meager average of 5.50 against him.
This performance in Galle was a stark contrast to his previous encounters with Bumrah at home, where he had managed to keep his wicket intact. Khawaja's double century in Galle was a display of his class and determination. Scoring 232 runs, with 16 fours and a six, he not only silenced critics but also revitalized his form.
Moreover, he spent 503 minutes at the crease facing 352 deliveries. This is a token of his hard work and should give him a lot of confidence for the remaining part of this 2-match Test series in Sri Lanka. This knock was his response to the naysayers after a string of low scores in the BGT.
His performance in Galle showcased his ability to adapt and overcome, reinforcing his status as one of Australia's premier batsmen. Khawaja's resilience in the face of adversity has once again proven why he is considered a people's champion in cricket.
