On Day 3 of the Edgbaston Test, Ollie Robinson delivered an exceptional bowling performance to prevent Australia from surpassing England’s total. The pacer claimed three crucial wickets, including that of Usman Khawaja, as Australia were bowled out for 386. Employing an umbrella-like field setting, Robinson pressured Khawaja into attempting something different, resulting in the left-hander getting bowled.
However, Robinson’s exuberant and aggressive celebration, accompanied by hurling abusive language at Khawaja, marred the moment. The bowler, who appeared to have uttered profanities directed at the batsman, later defended his actions by claiming he brought some “theatre” to the game.
“It’s my first home Ashes, and getting such an important wicket was special for me. Usman Khawaja played incredibly well, and at that point, dismissing him was massive for the team,” Robinson expressed after the day’s play on Sunday (June 18). “We all crave the dramatic aspect of the game, don’t we? So I’m here to provide it.
“To be honest, I don’t really care how it’s perceived. It’s the Ashes, it’s professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?”
Robinson attributed the passionate nature of the Ashes as the driving force behind his send-off to Khawaja, referring to similar treatment received by England players from Australia in the past.
“…In the heat of the moment and with the passion of the Ashes, these things can happen. We’ve all witnessed Ricky Ponting and other Australians do the same to us. So just because the roles are reversed, it’s not well received.”
Meanwhile, Alex Carey, Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman, claimed to be unaware of the incident and only became aware of it before addressing the press conference. “I was actually informed that something had happened before coming in here. So I didn’t witness it at all. I didn’t see anything excessive there.”
