5 most epic Test innings of 2018

#3 Usman Khawaja’s match-saving 141 against Pakistan at Dubai

Usman Khawaja

Australia, without its two premier batsmen in David Warner and Steven Smith, arrived in the UAE with little hope of winning. Their batting was perceived to be as fragile as chinaware and the unit was deemed to be Australia’s worst touring party in years. In such hostile circumstances, Usman Khawaja’s battling 141 is scarcely believable.

In the first Test of the series, Pakistan slow-walked to a total of 482 in 164.2 overs. The Dubai track was termed lifeless but the perception changed when Australian completed their innings. The visitors had marched to 142/0 before they collapsed spectacularly to 202 all out. Pakistan refused to enforce the follow-on and gave Australian batting 140 overs to save the Test.

It was never going to happen. The signs were clear when Australia once again stumbled from 87/0 to 87/3. However, Khawaja and Head held different opinions. Khawaja, in particular, confronted his demons of the subcontinental tracks and played the innings of his life.

His vigil against Yasir Shah, Bilal Asif and Mohammad Abbas on a deteriorating track lasted 522 minutes. Khawaja’s 141 from 302 balls backed up by Tim Paine’s 61 from 220 balls helped Australia earn a draw against all odds.

In the sapping UAE heat, Khawaja demonstrated unreal grit and determination to squeeze out a draw which was nothing short of a win for Australia.