June 19, 2023 
By India Today Sports Desk: Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey played down the expletive-laden send-off to Usman Khawaja even though the England pacer faced flak on social media for doing so on Day 3 of what has been an exciting Ashes 1st Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The morning session on Sunday had plenty of heated moments and Robinson let off steam when he celebrated the dismissal of Khawaja in an aggressive manner.
England were 372 for 6 in the 113th over when Ben Stokes had 6 men in catching position inside the circle to create pressure on Usman Khawaja, who was batting on 141. Ollie Robinson bowled a yorker and Usman Khawaja, who had stepped down the pitch, missed the delivery and saw his off-stump getting uprooted.
It was the end of a fantastic knock as Usman Khawaja top-scored with his maiden Test century in England and helped Australia get closer to the hosts' first-innings total of 393. Robinson charged toward Khawaja and gave his an expletive-laden send-off before he was embraced by his teammates.
Robinson's aggressive pumped up England as he also picked up the wicket of Nathan Lyon and captain Pat Cummins with a short-ball tactic. Australia imploded and lost their last 4 wickets for just 14 runs.
"I didn't see it," said Carey, who made 66 before getting out to James Anderson on Day 3.
"Usman hasn't said anything. It's an Ashes, at times it is going to be pretty exciting and hostile cricket. I was sitting there disappointed on getting out, but didn't see anything over the top there," he added.
Notably, Ollie Robinson defended his act, saying he does not care about the negative reactions for the send-off among the Australians. The England fast bowler even cited instances from the past where Australian players were involved in sledging.
It was the first instance of things getting heated in the middle in the Ashes, which has so far lived up to the pre-series hype.
"... when you're in the heat of the moment and you have the passion of the Ashes, that can happen. We've all seen Ricky Ponting and other Aussies do the same to us, and just because the shoe is on the other foot it's not received well," Robinson said.
Australia hit back with 2 quick wickets of the England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. The hosts slipped to 28 for 2 before rain brought an early end to the day's play.
July 20, 2024 
