Australia’s Usman Khawaja once again emerged with a magnificent ton in the 2nd Innings against England in the 4th Test match of the Ashes at Sydney Cricket Ground(SCG). England had concluded Day 3 at 258/7. The visitors were bowled out for 294 on the back of Jonny Bairstow’s 113-run knock as Scott Boland starred for Australia with the ball as England were bowled out for 294 to give Australia a 122-run innings lead. But it was Khawaja who responded with a brilliant ton of his own.
Usman Khawaja aids Australia to make a comeback; achieves a rare feat
Usman Khawaja has made a dream comeback to Test cricket, scoring centuries in both innings of the ongoing fourth Ashes Test against England. The Australian batter became only the third batter to complete twin Test tons at the Sydney Cricket Ground after Doug Walters (vs West Indies in 1968/69) and Ricky Ponting (vs South Africa in 2005/06).
He is also only the 9th player to score centuries in both innings of an Ashes Test. Khawaja reached the magical three-figure mark for the second time in the fourth Test on Day 4 on Saturday as Australia set England a target of 388 to win.
Khawaja, who last played a Test during the 2019 Ashes tour of England, made a huge impact on his return, scoring 137 in the first innings as Australia posted 416 for eight declared.
Australia had stumbled when at one point they were 86 for four. Smith again failed to put on runs after a 31-ball stay and was bowled for 23 after he was late on the shot from a Jack Leach skidder. Khawaja came in to rescue along with Cameron Green, who proceeded to smash the English bowlers.
The duo put on 179 runs for the fifth wicket to ruin any chance of an England revival. Khawaja went on to reach his 10th century overall in Tests while Cameron Green was finally dismissed by Jack Leach for 74.
England have been given a target of 388 runs which they have to achieve in order to have some pride in the prestigious Ashes. The Three Lions have managed to score 30 runs with all ten wickets in hand at Stumps on Day 4.
