Ashes 2023: Cricket fraternity reacts as Usman Khawaja’s century leads Australia’s fightback on day 2

Usman Khawaja hit his 15th Test ton and first in England.

Usman Khawaja | GettyThe second day of the ongoing first Test of the Ashes 2023 between England and Australia was shared by the host's bowlers and Usman Khawaja, who slammed a brilliant century.

Australia had resumed on 14/0, but David Warner’s Stuart Broad-named nightmare continued to haunt him as the opener was dismissed for 9 runs by the veteran English pacer for the 15th time in Test cricket.

On the very next delivery, Broad removed world number one Test batter Marnus Labuschagne to leave the Baggy Greens reeling at 29 for 2. Khawaja then formed a 38-run stand with Steve Smith before the premier Aussie batter was dismissed LBW by England captain Ben Stokes in the 27th over.

Then Khawaja added valuable 61 runs with Travis Head for the fourth wicket and both batters made half-centuries before Moeen Ali removed Travis Head. Then, Khawaja continued and added 72 runs with Cameron Green for the fifth wicket.

Ashes 2023: WATCH- Stuart Broad continues to haunt David Warner; shatters his leg stump for 9 runs

Green was removed by Moeen Ali for 38 off 68 deliveries.

But the left-handed opener continued and completed his 15th Test century in 199 balls smashing 12 boundaries and two sixes. It was also his fourth against England, with the other three coming in Australia.

By the time play was called off for the day, Khawaja had added an unbroken 91-run stand with Alex Carey who crossed the 50-run mark. Australia was 311/5 with Khawaja 126*, while Carey was 52*.

The cricket fraternity could only stand and applaud Khawaja’s counterattack which has kept Australia alive in the game.

Here are the tweets:

 

 

 
 

By Jatin Sharma - 17 Jun, 2023

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