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England finally broke the resistance of Usman Khawaja, with Ollie Robinson picking up his first wicket of the innings on the third day of the Ashes Test opening. The left-hander resumed at 126 on the third day but could only add another 15 runs to his total to leave for 141.
Khawaja’s dismissal occurred in Australia’s 113th innings as Ben Stokes bowled a crowded field, headlined by six catchers. Trying to break the shackles, the southpaw came out, but Robinson threw a yorker and ripped the middle stump out of the ground.
The wicket ended a useful partnership of 34 with Pat Cummins, who withdrew after James Anderson dismissed Alex Carey for 66 off a well-crafted 99 balls. A partnership of 121 between the 36-year-old and Carey was the highest for Australia in an innings.
Usman Khawaja was part of two important partnerships on the second day
Usman Khawaja, who has held the Australian innings together after a lack of major contributions from David Warner, Marnos Labuschagne and Steve Smith, has added strong partnerships with Travis Head and Cameron Green.
However, Moeen Ali struck in time to remove Head and Green for 50 and 38, respectively. Australia ended the second day on 311-5, with Khawaja and Carey hitting 126 and 52 respectively. It is worth noting that the left-hander was given a reprieve because Stuart Broad had crossed the line despite Khawaja seeing his stumps as troublesome.
England were out on the third day and sealed Australia’s innings for 386 as Robinson and Broad finished with three runs apiece. They will be out to bat after lunch with a lead of seven runs. With a rough off off stump, Nathan Lyon will be looking to add to his four wickets which he nibbled in the first innings. With Australia’s three long fast bowlers along with an all-rounder, they will also look to threaten the English hitters on the circuit.
It will be interesting to see how England bat at the wicket.
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