SYDNEY: Australia’s left-handed batter – Usman Khawaja smashed a magnificent century after making his way into the side after 28 months; assisting his side to 416/8 (dec) in the first innings of the ongoing fourth Ashes Test.

Khawaja, who played his first match after 2019, scored a sunning Test century as Australia declared at 416/8 in the first innings.

Australia, resuming at an overnight score of 126/3, started the second day of the ongoing Test magnificently. Steven Smith and Khawaja put on a century stand; taking control for the home side. The duo batted brilliantly; both scoring half-centuries. Smith, however, fell short after scoring 67 as the batter fell short to Stuart Broad’s brilliant delivery. Following this dismissal, Broad has now dismissed Smith most number of times in Test cricket than any other bowler.

Khawaja, on the other hand, remained composed as the side was losing wickets at a consistent rate at the other end. He kept the scoreboard ticking and went on to score a magnificent century, his ninth overall in Test cricket. He scored a well-craft 137 off 260 balls, including 13 boundaries.

Khawaja then recorded an astonishing 67-runs partnership with Mitchell Starc. The batter looked to accelerate the innings but fell short to Broad, who castled the left-hander with a magnificent delivery. Starc, however, remained unbeaten with his 34 when the Australian skipper – Pat Cummins opted to declare the innings at 416/8.

For England, Broad starred; bagging his Test career’s 18th five-wickets haul, while James Anderson, Mark Wood, and Joe Root claimed one wicket apiece.

In response to Australia’s 416, English batters could only manage to play five overs before the stumps were called. England finished day two on 13/0. Haseeb Hameed (2*) and Zak Crawley (2*) will now resume the proceedings for the touring side on the third day.

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