Epic comeback behind Khawaja’s amazing ton celebration

Almost four years after Usman Khawaja was dumped from the Australian team during a fruitless Ashes tour with the bat, the veteran opener has broken through for his maiden Test century on English soil to lead a desperately needed fightback by the tourists at Edgbaston.

Australia is 5-311 and trailing by 82 at stumps on day two of the first Test after Khawaja scored his 15th century in the longest format to help rescue the visitors from a grim opening session.

After England posted 8-393 declared in the first innings of the match, the Australians found themselves in a precarious position as they limped to lunch on day two at 3-78, having lost David Warner (nine) and Marnus Labuschagne (zero) in consecutive balls, as well as Steve Smith for 16.

AS IT HAPPENED: First Test, day two from Edgbaston

HIGHLIGHTS: England, Broad crushed as centurion bowled off no-ball

READ MORE: Root rides stupendous strokeplay to century

But Khawaja remained calm, and the elegant strokeplay synonymous with the left-hander shone through, as the 36-year-old continued to revel in the breathtaking stretch of form he’s enjoyed since returning to the side in January 2022.

Khawaja brought up his century when he played a late cut for four off the bowling of England skipper Ben Stokes 68.3 overs into the tourists’ innings.

He celebrated with enormous heart, thrusting his arms above his head as he let out a mighty cry of jubilation, before shouting “c’mon” repeatedly.

He then threw his bat, ripped his helmet off, looked to the heavens and continued to soak up the incredibly special moment.

“The celebration tells you everything,” said former England captain Nasser Hussain on Nine’s coverage.

“You can see what that hundred means to him.”

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Since Khawaja was recalled for the Sydney Test of 2022, after about two-and-half years in the wilderness, he’s amassed 1732 runs at 69.28. He’s also compiled seven centuries and a top score of 195 not out.

It’s made for a resounding reply to his meagre 2019 Ashes tour, which yielded only 122 runs at 20.33. He was axed after the third Test.

“Brilliant innings, well played, well deserved,” said former Australian captain Ricky Ponting on the Nine broadcast.

“He’s been a rock at the top of the order for the last couple of years since he got back in this team.

“It’s a monkey off his back, absolutely no doubt about it.”

First Ashes Test, day two highlights

The English thought they’d eventually ended Khawaja’s marvellous knock when Stuart Broad tore through his forward defence in the 81st over, on the second delivery with the new ball, but were crushed when the right-armer was deemed to have bowled a front-foot no-ball.

The Australians were also gifted lives by Jonny Bairstow, who missed an opportunity to stump Cameron Green, dropped Alex Carey and failed to snaffle another catching chance when Carey edged the ball for four to move to 50.

Travis Head played his signature aggressive game as he raced to a half-century, before chipping a Moeen Ali ball to midwicket on 50, while Cameron Green was bowled by a beautiful Moeen delivery for 38.

Khawaja and Carey will resume in the middle on day three on 126 and 52 respectively.

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