England’s Ollie Robinson says he doesn’t care how Usman Khawaja’s wicket celebration on Day 3 of the first Ashes Test was perceived in the Australia dressing room or on social media.
Robinson has been condemned across the cricket world for an expletive-laden tirade directed at Usman Khawaja after picking up the Australian centurion’s wicket on a rain-soaked day three of the first Ashes Test. England will look to extend their 35-run lead after falling to 2-28 in their second innings when play was suspended early on day three due to two rain delays.
Khawaja’s magnificent 141 set up Australia’s total of 386 before the tourists got two England wickets in quick succession when play resumed following the first short rain delay. The Australians took advantage of the gloomy conditions, with Pat Cummins removing Ben Duckett after a great catch from Cam Green, and Scott Boland catching Zak Crawley behind on 7 in the first 20 minutes of play.
Joe Root then survived multiple lbws and was caught up in appeals before more rain arrived to wash the rest of the day away. However, it was Robinson’s earlier wicket of Khawaja that grabbed most of the attention, with the England bowler heard yelling expletives as he bowled the Australian batter for 141.
“We’ve all seen Ricky Ponting and other Aussies do the same to us,” Robinson said in the post-day press conference. “Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it’s not received well.”
Robinson, 29, has not been contacted by the match referee and refused to comment when asked if he expects to be.
“It’s my first home Ashes Test and to get the big wicket was special,” said the Sussex man.
“Uzzie played unbelievably well and to get that wicket was massive. We want that theatre of the game, so I’m here to provide it.”
“I don’t really care how it’s perceived. It’s the Ashes, professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?” Robinson responded when asked if Khawaja’s outburst might make him a target for the Australians.
