Australian batsman Usman Khawaja hit his seventh test century on day 2 of the first Ashes match. With a glistering score of 126*This is Khawaja’s 15th century of his career but his first test century in England. His effort helped Australia finish the day on 311-5, with five wickets in hand. Now Australia is just 82 runs behind. Since making his comeback in the Sydney Test in January 2022, Khawaja’s record has been remarkable. The 36-year-old has hit many centuries in India and Pakistan. He also reached triple figures at home against England and South Africa, but before this brilliant knock in Birmingham, he had a poor record in English conditions.
Khawaja’s stunning comeback
Since his return to the Australian team, Khawaja has scored 1747 runs in 31 innings with an amazing average of 69.88. While batting on day 2, Khawaja stitched good partnerships with Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey to help Australia claw back a first-innings equivalence. With England regretting a trio of missed chances, Australia wrapped up the second day’s play.
Broad’s double strike
After England declared on the first day, which was another surprising move in 2023 under Ben Stokes captaincy, Australia got to play four overs, and they scored 14 runs. The next day, Stuart Broad got a double strike within the first hour of opening. David Warner weighted a drive with limited footwork, which led him to edge the ball onto his stumps, and on the very next ball, Labuschagne played a poor shot on Broad’s outswinger, and a fine catch by Jonny Bairstow made him lose his wicket.
Broad attempted to trap Steve Smith down the leg side on the hat-trick ball, but it wasn’t successful. Smith and Khawaja built a partnership of 38 runs during the morning session, and then Ben Stokes dismissed Smith lbw. After lunch, Australia was still 315 runs behind, with England having used seven bowlers in the first session, which included two experimental overs from Harry Brook and Joe Root.
Khawaja and Carey going strong
Khawaja and Head both reached half centuries, and then Moen Ali trapped Travis, sending him back on 50 runs. The 35-year-old could have had a second wicket in the same over as he bowled a beautiful delivery to Cameron Green, but Bairstow missed the stumping chance. Australia was at 188/4 until tea, but soon they got the upper hand in the game as Khawaja and Green became well set, but soon Moen sent the all-rounder back for 38 runs. With Khawaja’s hundred, the fans got a moment of joy, and currently he is at 126* with Carey on 52 runs. Both have built a partnership of 91 runs and will continue the play today.
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