The outcome of the Ashes 2023 opener hangs in the balance on the final day, with Australia needing 117 runs to win and having five wickets in hand. Usman Khawaja, continuing his good form from the first innings, scored a half-century while receiving support from Cameron Green at the other end.
Ollie Robinson, who had displayed great enthusiasm throughout the match, had previously celebrated aggressively after dismissing Usman Khawaja in the first innings. However, the tension escalated when Robinson took the rivalry a step further, engaging in a heated on-field moment that caught the attention of the fans.
During the drinks break, as Khawaja and Green were engaged in a discussion, Robinson approached the left-handed batsman. He exchanged words with Khawaja, who responded sternly.
The verbal altercation was on the brink of turning into an ugly physical confrontation, but James Anderson intervened as the peacemaker, leading his teammate away.
— Octopus Yadav (@OctopusYadav) June 20, 2023
On Twitter, users accused Robinson of racism, pointing out that he had received an eight-match ban two years ago for posting offensive comments. Fans reminded him of the ban imposed by England Cricket, referencing the specific incident.