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report of Usman KhawajaThe demise of was greatly exaggerated he took advantage of an unexpected opportunity during the third ash Test in Adelaide.
Khawaja, who turned 39 on the second day of the Test adelaide ovalstruggled with Back cramps during opening match of the series – scored just two runs in the first innings and unable to bat again In the other.
He missed victory in the second test With the previous issue in Gaba and, given Australiagave a strong performance in demolishing EnglandWas not initially selected for this third Test, which led to obituaries regarding his career being published in local newspapers due to his age.
However, when he is given a surprising opportunity for redemption steve smith Was Forced to withdraw just before the toss Due to vertigo, he left the field shortly before the game after battling “nausea and dizziness”, meaning Khawaja was recalled and moved to number four in the home batting line-up.
When Australian openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head were out in quick succession before the first drinks break with the hosts’ score at 33-2, he was forced to don the pads sooner than he would have liked, but the 38-year-old made the most of the opportunity.
After being dropped in the slips by Harry Brook for just five runs, he eventually made 82 from 126 balls and was caught at deep square leg while slog-sweeping the bowling of Will Jacques.
Khawaja’s innings was almost over before it really began when a thick edge from Josh Tong went into the hands of Brook at second slip, then out straight and he never looked completely safe at the crease, occasionally flailing at the shorter balls, but staying firm and taking possession of any wide ball.
He and reserve Marnus Labuschagne added 61 runs for the third wicket, taking the score to 94–2 at lunch, before Labuschagne edged Jofra Archer’s first delivery of the afternoon session straight to midwicket.
Record-breaking, £2million IPL man Cameron Green Lasted exactly two balls before falling in similar fashion to Labuschagne but Khawaja and the wicketkeeper alex carey The matter was resolved with a diligent response when they together scored 91 runs.
However, Khawaja’s hopes of a brilliant century fell short by 18 runs as England captain Ben Stokes’ short bowling allowed him to be aggressive against Jacques’ part-time spin and edged Tongue to the boundary.
The veteran received a rousing welcome after Australia were bowled out for 185-5, perhaps saving his international cricket career for the time being.
After tea, Carey kicked on and brought up his century as Australia passed 300 and England soon lost their lead and struggled to build on a promising position.
Additional reporting by PA