'Don't really care how it's perceived' - Ollie Robinson defends giving Usman Khawaja aggressive send-off
"Uzzie [Khawaja] played unbelievably well and to get that wicket was massive. We want that theatre of the game, so I'm here to provide it," Robinson said.
England pacer Ollie Robinson has said that he does not care how his celebration after taking Australia opener Usman Khawaja's wicket on Day 3 of the ongoing Ashes Test at Edgbaston is perceived.
Notably, Robinson erupted into an expletive-filled outburst after dismissing Khawaja, leading to plenty of criticism. Khawaja scored 141 off 321 and helped the Pat Cummins-led side to score 386 in the first innings. After the day's play, Robinson claimed that Ricky Ponting and other Australian players have done the same to England before.
"We've all seen Ricky Ponting and other Aussies do the same to us. Just because the shoe is on the other foot, it's not received well," Robinson said in the post-day press conference.
Robinson went on to say that the ongoing series is his first home Ashes Test and to get Khawaja's wicket was special for him. The 29-year-old also praised the Australian opener, stating he played unbelievable cricket.
"It's my first home Ashes Test and to get the big wicket was special. 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," he said.
While asked if Khawaja's outburst might make him a target for the Australians, Robinson said that he does not care how his celebration is perceived.
"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?" the English pacer concluded.
Cummins, Boland strike as England finish Day 3 at 28/2
After Australia were dismissed for 386 in the first session on Day 3, Australian quicks Pat Cummins and Scott Boland dismissed openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. The Ben Stokes-led side finished the rain-curtailed Day 3 at 28/2, leading by 35 runs. Joe Root and Ollie Pope will resume batting on Day 4, and it will be intriguing to see whether England stick to their "Bazball" approach or not.
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