Being dropped from the national team would normally result in disappointment, sulking and the relinquishing of responsibilities from the side – but one Australian athlete has taken it in stride and found a new role.
Temperatures peaked at over 30 degrees Celsius and more than 80 per cent humidity in Chittagong on Tuesday as Australia took on Bangladesh in the second test, meaning constant drinks breaks to escape the sun were a must.
During a stop in play on day two, the Australian test captain and vice-captain took a breather in the shade – thanks to a familiar face.
Being dropped from the national team would normally result in the relinquishing of responsibilities from the side but one Aussie athlete has taken it in stride and found a new role
During a stop in play on day two the Australian test captain and vice-captain took a seat and a breather in the shade – thanks to a familiar face
Usman Khawaja was dropped for the second test following Australia’s shock 20-run loss to their minnow opponents in the first test.
Despite holding the third-highest batting average of all current players, a very respectable 45.5, the Pakistan-born Australian was relegated to carrying the drinks – and ultimately supplying the shade.
The 30-year-old was photographed holding an umbrella for his higher-ranking teammates, providing Warner and Smith with relief from the Bangladeshi sun while copping the full brunt of the UV rays himself while wearing long-sleeved cricket whites.
Fans were quick to react, with many noting the dramatic fall from grace for Khawaja who has often found himself as the scapegoat for the team’s lack of success.
‘From carrying Drinks to holding for his mates. Khawaja has come a long way!’ one person tweeted.
‘Lucky it’s Khawaja holding that and not Matty Wade.. he’d drop it for sure,’ another fan posted to social media.
Usman Khawaja, often the scapegoat for the team’s lack of success, found himself carrying the drinks, providing chairs and holding umbrellas for Australia’s batsmen on Tuesday
Temperatures peaked at over 30 degrees Celsius with more than 80 per cent humidity in Chittagong on Tuesday as Australia took on Bangladesh in the second test
Australia will resume at 2-225 on day three, having fought bravely in stifling heat after dismissing Bangladesh for 305.
With Australia trailing 1-0 in the series, Peter Handscomb and Warner put on an inspired 127-run partnership that could go a long way towards helping the visitors square the ledger.
If the Australians can bat throughout most of day three, they will fancy themselves to restrict Bangladesh’s second-innings total on a deteriorating pitch.
Handscomb received medical treatment but played through Tuesday’s last session to finish 69 not out, while Warner was unbeaten on 88 after making a century in the first Test in Dhaka.
Play was paused for about five minutes late in the final session when Handscomb pulled up on his haunches, looking clearly unwell after running between the wickets.
The 26-year-old sat on the ground and was examined by team doctor Geoff Verrall, who applied cold towels to his head and neck.
Handscomb, who showed sublime footwork during his stylish knock, faced 113 deliveries in the difficult conditions, while the ultra-fit Warner dealt with 170.
With Australia trailing 1-0 in the series, Peter Handscomb and Warner put on an inspired 127-run partnership that could go a long way towards helping the visitors square the ledger
After scoring an aggressive ton in Dhaka, Warner changed gears with a patient and composed knock to bring up his 25th Test half-century from 98 balls
“Really gutsy, Obviously it was pretty hot out there, and we saw that yesterday,” Australian coach Darren Lehmann said after play.
“You have to work really hard for your runs so, to get through in the way they played, was excellent.
“They’re in the ice baths now. We’ll leave it with the medical team to get them right for tomorrow but a very special day and, hopefully, tomorrow they can kick on.”
After scoring an aggressive ton in Dhaka, Warner changed gears with a patient and composed knock to bring up his 25th Test half-century from 98 balls.
The left-hander was dropped on 52, with Mominul Haque putting down a difficult chance at short-leg off the bowling of Taijul Islam.
Australian skipper Steve Smith made an imperious 58 before being clean-bowled by a straight delivery from left-arm spinner Taijul shortly before tea.
Smith fumed as he walked from the ground after leaving an inviting gap between bat and pad for Taijul to exploit in his first ball of the innings.
Nathan Lyon earlier finished with 7-94 – his fourth seven-wicket haul and the equal-second best figures of his career after claiming 8-50 against India earlier this year in Bangalore.