WTC Final: Usman Khawaja registers unwanted record after early dismissal against SA

Usman Khawaja (Pic: File Pic)

Australian opening batsman Usman Khawaja registered an unwanted record to his name during the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final. Facing 20 deliveries, the left-hander failed to open his account of runs.

With this, he became the joint-third Australian batsman to register a longest duck. The other three batsmen on the list are David Warner (22 balls), Shaun Marsh (21 balls), and Sammy Jones (20 balls).

The 38-year-old opening batsman lost his wicket in the seventh over of the game off Kagiso Rabada's stunning delivery, as Khawaja edged the ball into the slips.

Earlier, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bowl first in the WTC final at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

At the stroke of lunch, Australia are 67 runs for the loss of four wickets in 23.2 overs, with premier batsman Steve Smith still remaining unbeaten on 26 runs at the time of writing. Along with him, all-rounder Beau Webster is at the crease, attempting to steady Australia's ship.

After winning the toss, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said, "We will have a bowl first, looking at the overhead conditions. Too late to change the team; we have selected the best combination. All 15 of us are confident. It is a massive final; it should be a spectacle out here."

Australia skipper Pat Cummins was happy to bat and said during the time of the toss, "Happy to bat first. Looks like a good wicket with a few clouds. Prep wise it has been unreal, 15 guys working very hard for that title. You get used to it the more you are playing, we have had about 10 days prep and we are ready. Doesn't feel like any extra pressure. We've been here before and we've won it. This week is all about enjoying the moment."

Squads:

South Africa (Playing XI): Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma(c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Australia (Playing XI): Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

(With ANI Inputs)