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England Foiled by Usman Khawaja’s Century in The Ashes 2023

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Ashes Test

In a gripping second day of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, England was left frustrated as Usman Khawaja, from the Australian team, played a masterful innings, scoring an unbeaten century. Khawaja’s brilliant knock of 126 guided Australia to 311-5, trailing England by only 82 runs.

Despite several missed opportunities, England’s bowlers showcased their skill in the morning session, taking advantage of favorable overhead conditions. They reduced Australia to 67-3 in response to England’s first-innings total of 393-8 declared. Stuart Broad’s battle with David Warner resulted in Warner’s dismissal, followed by a stunning catch by Jonny Bairstow to dismiss Marnus Labuschagne.

Ben Stokes, proving his fitness to bowl, claimed the wicket of Steve Smith, while Khawaja held firm at the other end. He built partnerships with Travis Head, who contributed 50 runs, and Cameron Green, scoring 126 and 72 runs respectively. Moeen Ali, in his return to Test cricket, dismissed both Head and Green. However, England’s missed chances, including Bairstow’s dropped catch and missed stumping, allowed Khawaja to form an unbroken partnership of 91 runs with Alex Carey, who was also given a reprieve by Bairstow.

By the end of the day, Australia had positioned themselves to potentially take the first-innings lead, a crucial advantage on a dry pitch that is expected to deteriorate further as the match progresses.

The second day’s play showcased a more strategic battle compared to the frantic pace of the previous day. Australia opted for a defensive approach, frustrating England’s aggressive tactics. England constantly rotated their bowlers, with Harry Brook’s medium pace being utilized early on. Broad’s dismissal of Warner was followed by jubilant celebrations for Labuschagne’s wicket. The crowd at Edgbaston erupted in cheers when Stokes dismissed Smith, and Moeen played a vital role with his timely interventions.

Despite the placid nature of the pitch, Khawaja stood tall and displayed his composure throughout his innings. He elegantly dispatched short deliveries from England’s pace bowlers and confidently attacked Moeen’s bowling, hitting two sixes. Khawaja’s century, his first Ashes hundred in England, was celebrated fervently, culminating in his joyful gesture of throwing his bat in the air. At the end of the day, he shared a touching moment with his daughter during the news conference.

England’s impressive performance in the morning session was dampened by missed opportunities and Khawaja’s resilient batting. The four mistakes, including Bairstow’s errors, might prove costly for England. Khawaja’s determination and presence in partnerships with other batsmen ensured Australia’s fightback amidst the chaos.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan expressed concerns about England’s missed chances and their physical condition, as this was only the beginning of a demanding five-match series over six weeks. Phil Tufnell, an ex-England spinner, highlighted the importance for England to secure a lead in the match to prevent Nathan Lyon, the Australian spinner, from capitalizing on their positive approach.

Overall, the second day of The Ashes 2023 proved to be a captivating battle between the two teams, setting the stage for an enthralling continuation of the Test match.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ashes Test

What was the score of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia in 2023?

The score at the end of the second day of the first Ashes Test was England 393-8 declared and Australia 311-5, with Australia trailing by 82 runs.

Who scored a century for Australia in the first Ashes Test?

Usman Khawaja from Australia scored an unbeaten century (126*) in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

How did England perform on the second day of the Test match?

England had a strong start on the second day, taking advantage of favorable conditions to reduce Australia to 67-3. However, they missed several chances, and Usman Khawaja’s resilient innings frustrated their efforts.

What were the notable contributions from England’s players?

Joe Root scored an unbeaten 118 runs for England in their first innings. Jonny Bairstow made 78 runs and also took a stunning catch. Stuart Broad dismissed David Warner and had a crucial no-ball that saved Usman Khawaja.

Did England miss any opportunities during the match?

Yes, England missed several opportunities, including two missed chances by Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps and a crucial no-ball by Stuart Broad that allowed Usman Khawaja to continue his innings after being bowled.

What is the condition of the pitch for the first Ashes Test?

The pitch at Edgbaston for the first Ashes Test was described as extremely dry, and it is expected to deteriorate further as the match progresses.

How did Usman Khawaja perform in the match?

Usman Khawaja played a superb innings, scoring an unbeaten century (126*). He showcased his skill and composure, with elegant stroke play and strong partnerships with other Australian batsmen.

What were the tactical approaches of England and Australia in the match?

England employed a full-throttle approach in their bowling tactics, while Australia adopted a more defensive strategy. England rotated their bowlers frequently, and Australia focused on building partnerships and frustrating England’s aggressive style of play.

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5 comments

SportsGuru101 June 17, 2023 - 9:25 pm

what a battl between england and australia! the ashes always delivrs high drama. kudos to khawaja for his magnificent knock. england had their momnts, but their mistaks could come back to haunt them later in the match.

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AshesLover88 June 18, 2023 - 12:14 am

usman khawaja showd his clss with that century! he was solid as a rock and guidid australia to a strong position. england’s bowlers struggld with their lin and length, and those missed chnces wer costly.

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CricketFan123 June 18, 2023 - 5:27 am

england wastd so many chnces! how cud they let usman khawaja score a sentury? it waz an intense mch, but england shud hav ben mor focussed and takn their chnces proply.

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CricketCrazy77 June 18, 2023 - 4:39 pm

stuart broad’s no-ball waz a heartbraker! it changd the momentum and allowd khawaja to carry on. england’s fiellding was slopy at times, and it cost them big time. hope they can bounc back in the nxt days. #Ashes

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AshesAddict22 June 18, 2023 - 8:17 pm

as an aussie fan, i’m thrilld with khawaja’s century. he provd his critics wrong and showd his class. england need to improv their gam to hav any chanc of winning this match. go australia! #Ashes

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