21 June 2023 , 12:29
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Usman Khawaja put Ollie Robinson in his place after the England seamer tried to sledge the in-form Australia batter again.
Khawaja was named Man of the Match after Australia won a thrilling first Ashes Test by just two wickets. The opener hit 141 and 65 at Edgbaston to get the visitors in a great position, with captain Pat Cummins hitting an unbeaten 44 to get them over the line.
Khawaja and Robinson twice clashed in Birmingham, with the latter appearing to call his Ashes counterpart a "f****** p****" after dismissing him in the first innings. All eyes were on the rivals after that controversial incident during the second innings.
Robinson tried to entice Khawaja into a risky drive by producing a full, wide delivery at him. England skipper Ben Stokes also got in on the act by ordering an attacking field. After Khawaja refused to take the bait, Robinson said: "Freebie, isn't it? Half-volley, field up."
Khawaja was not impressed with Robinson's comment and delivered the perfect response to the fiery Englishman. He said: "In the rough mate. That's why you're not a batsman."
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Robinson hit back at Khawaja by telling him: "Nice to see you say something". Yet the Aussie was having none of it. Khawaja added: "Be careful what you say, mate." Robinson can now expect some bouncers in the next Test at Lord's, starting in a week's time.
Robinson tried to get under Khawaja's skin (Getty Images)What do you make of sledging? Let us know in the comments below!
England were on the verge of winning the topsy-turvy first Test before Cummins and Nathan Lyon put together an unlikely partnership worth 55 runs. That came after Robinson referred to Lyon as a "No.11" following his poor first innings dismissal.
Robinson has been very vocal during this year's Ashes series. He was criticised for his X-rated sledge but wasn't too bothered. Robinson told reporters: "I think when you’re in the heat of the moment and you have the passion of the Ashes, that can happen.
"We’ve all seen Ricky Ponting, other Aussies do the same to us. Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it’s not received well. I don’t really care how it’s perceived, to be honest. It’s the Ashes. It’s professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?"
England skipper Stokes admitted his players were "devastated" after their loss. He said: "Losing sucks. We always want to win..,. We are absolutely devastated that we have lost.
"The lads are up there in absolute pieces, especially Robbo and Broady [Robinson and Stuart Broad] who put in an unbelievable shift there. But if that's not attracting people to the game we love then I don't know what will. There are still four games left. Keep following us and we will keep trying to do what we do."
After the Lord's Test, England will face Australia at Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. The Aussies currently hold the Ashes Urn after thumping England 4-0 on home soil 18 months ago. The last series in England in 2019 finished 2-2.