Allan Border says Ollie Robinson has put a target on his head with his celebration

Allan Border believes Ollie Robinson has ‘put a target on his head’ with his foul-mouthed send-off to Usman Khawaja on Day Three of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

The pumped-up England bowler appeared to tell Khawaja to, ‘F*** off, you f***ing p***k’ after dismissing him for 141, the first of three wickets he took as the tourists collapsed to 386 all out.

While Robinson’s fiery celebration was criticised by Australian reporters, Border suggested there was nothing particularly egregious about his reaction but noted the fast bowler can expect to be targeted by the Aussie bowlers.

‘I have heard some send-offs and have given some send-offs myself,’ Border told SEN Breakfast.

‘It is sort of heat of the moment sort of stuff. Generally, I think Robinson is a pretty fair bloke from what I gather.

Ollie Robinson offered no apology for his foul-mouthed send-off to Usman Khawaja

The Aussie opener was bowled for a superb 141 on Day Three of the first Test at Edgbaston

‘But, you get fired up as a big fast bowler, words are said and then afterwards it’s all forgotten about generally.

‘You know what goes around comes around, he’s put a bit of a target on his head.

‘When he comes out the bat […] the Aussies won’t forget that’s for sure.’

Former Australia wicket-keeper Ian Healy was somewhat less complimentary of Robinson and called for the 29-year-old to be fined for his antics.

While acknowledging the England quick’s celebration was understandable in the circumstances of the game, Healy argued Robinson’s reaction could have led to an on-field confrontation had Khawaja fired back. 

It is a lack of class like he’s been criticised for, but that’s ok, it happens in the heat of the moment,’ he said on SENQ Breakfast.

‘I think he should have been punished because it was shown so closely on TV and it does incite retaliation.

‘If Khawaja retaliated to that and said something back to him, he’d probably get in trouble.

‘He [Robinson] was trying to incite that, it was rude and it was rugged. There probably should have been a little fine handed down to Ollie.’

Robinson doubled down on his stance in his post-match press conference: ‘I don’t really care how it’s perceived. It’s the Ashes, it’s professional sport. If you can’t handle that, what can you handle?

Allan Border said Robinson  will be targeted by Aussie bowlers in the second innings

Robinson says Khawaja should be able to handle his reaction as it’s part of the game

‘When you’re in the heat of the moment and have the passion of the Ashes, that can happen. We’ve all seen Ricky Ponting and other Aussies do that to us, so just because the shoe is on the other foot, it’s not received well.’

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey, meanwhile, insisted his team had no issues with Robinson.

‘Usman hasn’t said anything,’ he said. 

‘It’s the Ashes, at times it will be pretty exciting and hostile cricket. I didn’t see anything over the top there. From our dressing room, there was no comment.’