Usman Khawaja Triumphs Over Travis Head and R Ashwin in ICC Awards 2023
- Posted on January 25, 2024
- News
- By Arijit Dutta
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Australian batsman Usman Khawaja secured the Test Cricket of the Year title at the ICC Awards 2023, surpassing competitors R Ashwin, Travis Head, and Joe Root. The veteran left-hander's stellar performance in 2023, including 1,210 runs with three centuries, earned him the prestigious award. Khawaja's pivotal role in Australia's Test and World Cup victories marked a remarkable cricketing year.
In
a remarkable achievement, Usman Khawaja has clinched the Test Cricket of the
Year title at the ICC
Awards 2023. The Australian opener outshone rivals R Ashwin, Travis Head,
and Joe Root with a phenomenal performance in the 2023 Test series, securing
his place among cricketing legends. Khawaja's outstanding achievement was
acknowledged during the broadcast of the Australia-West Indies second Test in
Brisbane. This accolade cements his place as the sixth Australian to receive
this prestigious award, joining the ranks of cricketing greats such as Ricky
Ponting, Michael Clarke, Mitchell Johnson, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins.
Scoring
an impressive 1,210 runs, including three centuries and six fifties at an
average of 52.60, Khawaja emerged as the leading run-scorer in Tests during
2023. His exceptional performance played a crucial role in Australia's success
in the World Test Championship and the subsequent victory in the World Cup.
Khawaja expressed his gratitude, stating, "It's a great privilege. I have
been playing cricket for a long time and I didn't think in my wildest dreams
that at 37, I'll be winning ICC men's Test player of the year. So, yeah very
excited." The cricketer highlighted his favorite moment of the year,
recalling the Edgbaston Test against England in the Ashes 2023.
Khawaja's contributions extended beyond individual success, as he played a pivotal role in Australia's triumph in the World Test Championship and the subsequent World Cup victory. This dual achievement further solidified his place in cricketing history.