'The Stigma Is Real' - Usman Khawaja defends Usman Tariq after Cameron Green's controversial gesture

Star all-rounder Cameron Green stirred quite a controversy with his gesture near the Australian dugout after getting out to Usman Tariq in the second T20I against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore last month. Fans interpreted the gesture as him remonstrating about the Pakistani spinner's bowling action.

Green was looking in sublime touch, scoring 35 runs off 20 balls. However, Tariq ended his innings, after which the Australian all-rounder expressed his frustration.

Former Australian opener Usman Khawaja, however, came to the aid of Tariq, saying that being called a chucker is the toughest pill to swallow for a bowler. Khawaja also mentioned that his namesake's bowling actions went through tests and got cleared a couple of times.

“There aren’t many things worse than being called a chucker in cricket. The stigma is real. The man is just doing his best and has been cleared twice. Let’s have some perspective and understanding and stop jumping to conclusions," Khawaja shared via an Instagram story.

During the three-match series between Pakistan and Australia, the former dominated proceedings and eventually won 3-0. This should do a world of good to their confidence heading into the T20 World Cup, which begins on Saturday, February 7.

Green finished the series as the highest run-getter for Australia and the third overall. In three innings, he aggregated 93 runs at an average of 31and a strike rate of 124. With the ball, he accounted for a solitary wicket.

On the other hand, Usman Tariq played just one game, where he bowled 2.4 overs and picked up two wickets.

Australia are placed in Group B along with Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Ireland, and Oman. Meanwhile, Pakistan find themselves in Group A with India, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA for company.

The Men in Green will be in action in the opening match of the T20 World Cup, when they face the Netherlands in Colombo on Saturday, February 7.

Meanwhile, Australia will begin their campaign on Wednesday, February 11, as they take on Ireland in Colombo.