Cricketer Usman Khawaja has revealed how his teammates paused their traditional champagne celebration after winning The Ashes to make sure he was included, with his Muslim faith meaning he avoids alcohol.
The touching moment he shared with his team likely flew under the radar for many on Sunday night, as Australia celebrated their Ashes success.
Excited fans watched as the Australian team began to divulge in wild celebrations after a 4-0 win over England.
As several of his teammates vigorously shake and spray champagne Khawaja is seen leaving the stage.
But captain Pat Cummins is quick to notice his absence and signals to his teammates to put a pause on their raucous bottle-popping.
Excited fans watched as the Australian team began to divulge in wild celebrations after a 4-0 win over England on Sunday night however Usman Khawaja was forced to run from the stage
As several players motion for Khawaja to join them he runs to take a place in the centre – posing for photos without the sprays of champagne (pictured)
As several motion for Khawaja to join them he runs to take a place in the centre – posing for photos without the sprays of champagne.
The cricketer took to Twitter to praise his teammates for the heartwarming gesture, posting footage of the moment to his social media.
‘If this video doesn’t show you that the boys have my back, I don’t know what will,’ Khawaja captioned the video.
‘They stopped their normal champagne celebrations so I could rejoin. Inclusivity in the game and our values as a sport are so important.
‘I feel like we are trending in the right direction.’
Captain Pat Cummins said it was just one moment the Australian team had shared in celebrating the diversity of the group.
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Captain Pat Cummins (centre) said it was just one moment the Australian team had shared in celebrating the diversity of the group
‘We’ve got a really diverse bunch of people and you want to celebrate that and you want to make sure everyone feels comfortable being themselves. That was just one moment,’ he said.
‘The boys are fantastic in that space. They always look after each other. It’s a really tight-knit group.
‘I think one of the reasons is there is a lot of respect and love for each other. We had to make sure our teammate was in the photo with us.’
Australians took to social media to applaud the sweet moment with one user complimenting the teams presence of mind’ in pausing the celebrations.
‘Huge shout out for Cummins gesture to stop the champagne to get Khawaja back in celebrations! That’s an Aussie skipper right there,’ another wrote.
Khawaja (left) played a key role in the fourth test in Sydney – scoring a century in both innings in his first Test after a three year intermission
‘This is small, yet significant gesture. Leadership 101. Awareness is key, particularly in these moments of head spinning success,’ one Twitter user said
‘I’m sure the boys have had plenty since but he ensured inclusiveness.’
‘This is small, yet significant gesture. Leadership 101. Awareness is key, particularly in these moments of head spinning success,’ a third replied.
‘I think it was a great thing to do, love our captain Pat Cummins but wondering why Cricket Australia thought the champagne was a good thing to do in the first place, when there is a muslim in the team, need to learn and do better,’ a fourth said.
‘It shows everyone can celebrate in their own way and still be respectful of other’s beliefs. Great from you and the rest of the boys,’ another shared.
Khawaja played a key role in the fourth test in Sydney – scoring a century in both innings in his first Test after a three year intermission.
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