/sportzpoint/post_banners/1c15c0ce9b1461b421f992c2292d54d688b6021eec0065100997b3bd717ded3d.webp)
Australia opening batter Usman Khawaja scored his first Test century in England as he led his team's fightback on Day 2 of the first test of the Ashes 2023. After England's declaration at 393 for 8 on the first day, Khawaja and fellow opener David Warner came out to bat. The two batters saw the day out at 14 for no loss but Warner could not hold on to his wicket for long on Day 2 and got dismissed by his nemesis Stuart Broad.
On the very next delivery, Broad removed world number one Test batter Marnus Labuschagne to leave the Baggy Greens at 29 for 2. Khawaja then formed a 38-run stand with Steve Smith before England skipper Ben Stokes trapped him lbw.
Ashes 2023: Usman Khawaja scored his first test century on English soil
Even though wickets kept tumbling around Khawaja, the opener looked strong and made a crucial 81-run partnership with Travis Head for the fourth wicket. Both the batters completed their half-centuries before Moeen Ali sent Head in the 46th over. Khawaja showed his calmness and balance as he kept scoring at a positive rate and nullified the English bowling attack. The 36-year-old formed another important partnership for the Aussies, this time with Ashes debutant Cameron Green. They built a 72-run stand for the fifth wicket. The two batters revived Australia's innings in the second and third sessions of Day 2 before Moeen struck again, cleaning up Green for 38 off 68 deliveries.
Soon after Green's dismissal, Khawaja brought up his maiden century on English soil by cutting Stokes for a boundary in the 69th over. Khawaja got to his hundred in 199 deliveries with 12 boundaries and two sixes. This was Khawaja's 15th Test century and his fourth against England, with the other three coming in Australia.