Ashes 2023: In the first Test of the Ashes series, cricket fans witnessed an adrenaline-filled final day. Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, led his team to a memorable two-wicket victory in Edgbaston, remaining unbeaten with a score of 44. However, it was not only Cummins’ match-winning performance that stole the headlines. A heated exchange between England’s pacer Ollie Robinson and Aussie batter Usman Khawaja also drew significant attention.
On two separate occasions during the Test, Robinson and Khawaja clashed verbally. The skirmishes created a stir on social media and even attracted comments from former cricketers. Following Robinson’s dismissal of Khawaja in the first innings, the English pacer seemingly taunted Khawaja. In return, the Australian star traded verbal blows with Robinson on the Test’s final day.
Robinson faced considerable backlash for his behaviour but stood firm in his defence. He even mentioned former Australian captain Ricky Ponting in his response. “We’ve all seen Ricky Ponting and other Aussies do the same to us, and just because the shoe is on the other foot it’s not received well,” Robinson stated.
Ponting, however, did not let this remark slide. In the ICC Review podcast, Ponting addressed Robinson’s comments. “This England cricket team hasn’t played against Australia and they’ll find out pretty quickly what playing Ashes cricket and playing against a good Australian cricket team is all about,” he said.
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Ashes 2023: Ricky Ponting reacts to Ollie Robinson
Ponting’s words implied a veiled criticism of Robinson’s perceived lack of experience. “And if Ollie Robinson hasn’t learned that already after last week, then he’s a slow learner,” he added, referring to the on-field altercation.
Ponting found Robinson’s reference to him unusual, but he brushed it off. “I mean he even brought my name into it, which I felt was a little bit unusual, but for me it’s water off a duck’s back,” Ponting explained.
The former Australian captain further suggested that Robinson’s focus on him might have affected his performance. “If he is sitting back thinking about me, then no wonder he bowled like the way that he did in that game, if he’s worried about what I did 15 years ago,” Ponting stated.
Ponting concluded with a warning for Robinson. “He’ll learn pretty quickly that if you’re going to talk to Australian cricketers in an Ashes series, then you want to be able to back it up with your skills,” he said.
In conclusion, the first Test was a thrilling combination of exciting cricket and high drama. The verbal altercation between Robinson and Khawaja added an extra layer of intensity to the game. As the series progresses, the exchanges on and off the field will continue to shape this epic contest.
