Mark Taylor urges Usman Khawaja to use the sweep shot effectively

Bangladesh created history when they defeated Australia in the first Test of the ongoing 2 match Test series. The Test match loss proved costly for the Aussies at Steve Smith and his men dropped to the number 5th spot in the ICC Test rankings from their previous number 4 position. If Bangladesh manages to beat them in the second Test, which could well be a possibility, the Australians will slip to the 6th position.

It will mark Steve Smith’s tenure as a captain with a black mark as it will be the Kangaroos’ lowest ranking since 1988. The former Aussie skipper pointed out that the Australian batsmen need to figure out ways to get the first 10 runs for themselves in sub continent conditions. Taylor marked out opening batsman Usman Khawaja who is currently struggling with his form in the conditions. Khawaja averages just 14.62 as far as his performances in Asia are concerned.

What Taylor said:

Taylor put forward the example of big Aussie Matthew Hayden in 2001 while he spoke to Channel Nine’s Sports Sunday. “In India, we were there only a few months ago, we lost that series 2-1 but showed good signs. But the side is not better than that at the moment. They need to keep getting better and they need to find a way, a bit like Matthew Hayden did in 2001. As a batsman, you’ve got to come up with a theory that’s going to work for you (when) playing these spin bowlers. Particularly when you first go in, because you’re nervous – this Australian side hasn’t played for a while – and they’re all not sure exactly what they should do to make those first 10 runs. Once you do that, it’s a hell of a lot easier.” he said.

He mentioned that Khawaja is used to playing in conditions where the ball comes onto the bat easily. When the situation is otherwise, Khawaja has a tendency to falter. Taylor claimed that Khawaja should try to apply the sweep shot effectively to get himself some runs, something which Matthew Hayden did in 2001 and tasted great success.

“Usman Khawaja is someone who’s under a bit of pressure at the moment. He’s used to the ball coming onto the bat, and when it’s not coming onto the bat, you need to find a way of making those first 10 runs. Hayden in 2001 decided to sweep, and religiously sweep, nearly every ball, and it worked for him. I think Khawaja and co. need to do something similar,” added Taylor.

Taylor also had his say on the Matthew Wade-Peter Handscomb saga.  “I think Matthew Wade should be (in the team) provided he’s making runs. And if he’s not making runs – he’s only averaged 21 since he’s been recalled to the side – you get your best ‘keeper in, which is Peter Nevill.” he concluded.