Australian opener Usman Khawaja has set a new batting record during the Ashes 2023 win against England at The Oval. Khawaja’s outstanding performance in the fifth and final Test earned him the title of the Australian opener with the highest batting average and the overall second-highest average as an opener.
In the match, Khawaja contributed significantly to Australia’s victory. In the first innings, he scored 47 runs off 157 balls, including seven fours. In the second innings, during a demanding run chase of 384 runs, he scored a solid 72 off 145 balls, hitting eight boundaries.
Throughout his career, Khawaja has opened in 44 Test matches for Australia, accumulating 2,363 runs at an impressive average of 60.58 in 45 innings. He has secured seven centuries and 12 fifties as an opener, with his best score being an unbeaten 195.
Among Test openers who have batted at least 20 innings at the top, Khawaja holds the second-highest average. The top spot belongs to England’s Herbery Sutcliffe, who has an average of 61.10, scoring 4,522 runs in 83 innings as an opener, with 16 centuries and 23 fifties.
In his overall Test career, Khawaja has amassed 5,004 runs at an average of 47.20. He has registered 15 centuries and 24 fifties, with his highest score remaining 195 not out.
Khawaja’s performance during the Ashes 2023 has been remarkable, as he overcame his inconsistent form in English conditions. He finished as the highest run-scorer in the series, accumulating 496 runs at an average of 49.60 in 10 innings. He scored one century and three fifties, with his best score being 141, which was his first century in England.
In the final Test, Australia began the last day at 135/0 in pursuit of a target of 384 runs. Khawaja remained unbeaten on 69, alongside David Warner, who scored 58 not out.
England managed to score 395 runs in their second innings before being bowled out. This set Australia a challenging target of 384 runs to win, as they had a 12-run lead over England in the first innings.
Several English batsmen played impactful innings, with Zak Crawley (73), Ben Duckett (42), Ben Stokes (42), Joe Root (91), and Jonny Bairstow (78) delivering notable contributions. The Australian bowlers Mitchell Starc (4/100) and Todd Murphy (4/110) emerged as the top wicket-takers.
In Australia’s first innings, they were bowled out for 295 runs, taking a crucial 12-run lead. Steve Smith (71) and Usman Khawaja (47) were instrumental at the top of the order, while Pat Cummins (36) and Todd Murphy (34) provided valuable contributions down the order. Chris Woakes (3/61) was the pick of the bowlers for England.
England, batting first, were bundled out for 283 runs in their first innings. Harry Brook top-scored with 85, supported by Moeen Ali’s 34. Mitchell Starc (4/82) stood out with his bowling performance.
With Australia leading the five-match series 2-1, they have already regained the Ashes urn. However, England still has the opportunity to salvage pride with a potential 2-2 draw.
Khawaja’s record-breaking achievement as an opener highlights his class and consistency. His outstanding form throughout the Ashes series has been instrumental in Australia’s success. As the series progresses, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Khawaja can continue his exceptional run and lead Australia to further victories.
