Australia’s Usman Khawaja saved the day for his team in the second day of the first Ashes Test against England, batting all the way through for an unbeaten 126 runs. Khawaja’s performance equalized the score, with Australia trailing England by only 82 runs heading into day three.
Stuart Broad was England’s standout player, dismissing David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, but bowled a ball down the leg side to Steve Smith on his hat-trick ball. Ben Stokes later trapped captain Smith lbw before lunch, also contributing to England’s initial success.
Travis Head also impressed with a robust 50 runs off of 63 balls, while Cameron Green fought hard with a debut 38 run contribution. Alex Carey additionally supported Khawaja with an invaluable unbeaten 52 runs.
Khawaja’s average in tests on English soil has been as low as 17.78 in 14 previous innings, making his century all the more impressive. However, his unique way of celebrating his achievement by throwing the cricket bat is unlikely to become an Olympic event.
England may have gained full control of the game late into the day if not for Broad, who unfortunately overstepped fractionally when clean bowling Khawaja on 112 with a beauty that nipped back. This no-ball signal cost England and took the wind out of their sails.
With 15 dismissals of Warner in the heat of Ashes battle, Broad continues to prove himself as a significant force for England.
Travis Head praised the fascinating Ashes start, which has set the tone for the next six weeks of the highly-anticipated tournament. Every Ashes series is ramped up; we knew how England were going to go into it, we had to stay calm, he said.
Overall, it was definitely Australia’s day.
