'He is a forgettable cricketer' - Former Australian cricketer tears down Ollie Robinson for giving aggressive send-off to Usman Khawaja in 1st Test of Ashes 2023

Australia claimed a thrilling victory over England in the 1st Test match of the Ashes 2023 on Tuesday in Edgbaston, Birmingham. At one stage it looked like England would win the match easily but skipper Pat Cummins held his nerve and took his team to victory by just 2 wickets.

Meanwhile, former legendary Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden criticised England’s fast bowler Ollie Robinson for giving an aggressive send-off to Australian opener Usman Khawaja. He said that Robinson is a forgettable cricketer and mentioned that he does not have enough pace with the ball but has a big mouth to sledge.

"That's how you combat England as well. As soon as Pat Cummins started coming at Joe Root and hit a couple of sixes. Then the other bloke; he's a forgettable cricketer. A fast bowler that is bowling 124 (kph) nude nuts and he's got a mouth from the south." When Healy asked, "Who, Ollie Robinson?", Hayden replied, "Someone like him, you can just go, 'Brother, I'm coming at ya'.” Hayden was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

If you can't handle that, what can you handle?: Ollie Robinson

Interestingly, in a press conference, the right-arm pacer defended his sledging and stated that the Australian cricketers should know how to handle such situations in the Ashes. He also said that getting Khawaja’s wicket was a massive relief for the team. Khawaja smashed a brilliant century in the first innings and continued his dominance in the 2nd innings as well by scoring 65 runs. Khawaja was bowled by Robinson in the 1st innings after which the speedster celebrated it bluntly.

"It's my first home Ashes and to get the big wicket at the time was special for me. I think Uzzie played unbelievably well. To get that wicket for us as a team at the time was massive. We all want that theatre of the game, don't we? So I'm here to provide it. I don't really care how it's perceived, to be honest. It's the Ashes. It's professional sport. If you can't handle that, what can you handle?" Robinson was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.