Opener Usman Khawaja struck an unbeaten half-century as Australia made a comeback to 188 for four at tea on the second day of the first Ashes cricket Test against England. England declared their first innings at 393 for eight, with Australia still trailing by 205 runs. Australia, however, would be feeling better after losing world number one Test batsman Marnus Labuschagne (00) in the first ball and then number two batsman Steve Smith (16) in the first session.
Khawaja was playing on 84 at tea while all-rounder Cameron Green was supporting him on 21 at the other end. Both have added 40 runs for the fifth wicket. After losing three wickets in the morning session, Australia did better in the second session.Khawaja and Travis Head (50) added 81 runs for the fourth wicket. Head played some attractive shots at Moeen Ali but the England off-spinner eventually had him caught at midwicket by Jack Crawley. Green was also lucky in the same over when wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow failed to stump him off Moeen’s bowling. Khawaja and world number three batsman Head scored quickly. The two came together at 67 for three.
Khawaja also hit two sixes on Moeen. Australia started the day on 14 runs without losing a wicket. Opener David Warner (09) played the ball outside the off side of Broad in the seventh over of the day. On the next ball, Labushen (00) handed the catch to Nabairstow. Khawaja and world number two Test batsman Steve Smith (16) kept the hosts’ bowlers at bay for more than an hour.Stokes, however, gave Australia a third blow by lbw to Smith on the last ball of his second over. Smith took DRS but the decision went in favor of the hosts and he had to return to the pavilion.
