Usman Khawaja hit a comeback century of the highest order on the second day of the fourth Test against England at the SCG, putting Australia in a commanding position at stumps. Usman Khawaja’s incredible century in his return to Test cricket, which looked improbable only a week ago, has put Australia back in the driver’s seat as England’s difficulties continue.
Usman Khawaja’s extraordinaire comeback
The highlight of the day was Usman Khawaja’s 11th Test century, which prevented England from finding a foothold despite a tough bowling display that included a Stuart Broad five-for. Khawaja, who was dropped on the 28, had other intentions. He chose to slog it out and put on a 67-run eighth-wicket stand with Starc, notching his 9th Test ton in the process. Australia’s number 8, 9, and 10 once again chipped in with handy contributions. Usman Khawaja paced his innings as per the situation, scoring his first 44 runs in120 balls and 93 runs in the next 140 balls – an innings of two halves.
Stuart Broad picks the first five-for for England this series
England fightback was backed by Stuart Broad, as he picked up his 19th five-for. It was his 6th against Australia, and he deserved that after all the hard work he had done. England bowlers have struggled in this Ashes as it was their first five-for this series. Broad’s five wickets include key wickets of Khawaja and Steven Smith for 67, having knocked over David Warner on Day 1, after writing openly about his grievances with being left out in two of the first three Tests
What Day 3 holds for us
Before stumps, England had to face dreadful five overs, and Zak Crawley was given a significant reprieve. Warner took the catch head-high after nicking Mitchell Starc to the first slip. Replays suggested Starc had overstepped as Crawley walked off for what would have been a 12-ball duck. As the ball nipped and bounced profusely, extras were a key factor, but Haseeb Hameed and Crawley escaped yet another harsh test from Starc and Pat Cummins. Will Crawley be able to take advantage of his reprieve? The track is only going to get tougher to bat on, and the forecast for tomorrow seems great.