Usman Khawaja Adds To England's Ashes Agony After Mitchell Starc Strikes In 2nd Test

30.06.2023 - 18:53 sports.ndtv.com

Australia's Usman Khawaja dug in to put Australia in control against England after the hosts' batting collapse in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Friday.

Ashes-holders Australia were strongly placed at 130-2 in their second innings, a lead of 221 runs, when rain forced an early close to the third day's play.

Conditions for batting, with the floodlights switched on to counter the gloomy skies in London, were challenging. But Khawaja, whose hundred at Edgbaston last week helped Australia take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, held firm to reach 58 not out at stumps.

Steve Smith was unbeaten on six following his 110 in Australia's first-innings 416. Khawaja and fellow left-handed opener David Warner, who made an unusually restrained 25 off 76 balls, were content to defend in traditional Test-match fashion against the moving ball.

cricket Australia Cricket Team England Cricket Team Test Usman David Warner James Anderson Mitchell Starc Steve Smith Harry Brook Usman Khawaja Australia London

The ongoing Ashes has been closely fought so far. After Australia won the first two tests, England won the third Test. The fourth Test of the five-match series starts in Manchester on Wednesday. Before the match, Australia batter Usman Khawaja opened up on the rough treatment that they have been getting from the English crowd. Since England star batter Jonny Bairstow was controversially stumped by Alex Carey off Cameron Green's bowling, first the Australian players were confronted in the Lord's long room, then in the third test too, the visitors were booed at Leeds. The aggressive behaviour has been criticised by Usman Khawaja.

Harry Brook Admits To 'Dressing Room Blow-up' After Being Dismissed By Mitchell Starc

England batter Harry Brook admitted that he had a blow-up after he fell to Mitchell Starc on Day 4 of the third Test of the Ashes 2023 series on Sunday. Brook added 59 (73) in his crucial partnership with Chris Woakes, he managed to survive the short-ball ploy from Australia's seamers. He eventually lost his wicket following a top edge to cover. After losing his wicket, he anxiously watched the entire game from the dressing room as Mark Wood joined hands with Woakes to drag England across the finish line.

Watch: Mitchell Starc's Unplayable Delivery Leaves Moeen Ali Stunned In 3rd Ashes Test

Mitchell Starc outplayed Moeen Ali with a ripper during England's fourth innings of the third Ashes Test on Sunday. In their chase of 251, England ended Day 3 at the score of 27 without loss at Headingley in Leeds. On the following day, Mitchell Starc dismissed Ben Duckett to provide Australia with the first breakthrough at the score of 42. England sent Moeen at the number three position but the plan didn't work as Starc sent the batter packing at his individual score of 5.

ENG vs AUS, 3rd Ashes Test 2023 Live Score: Mitchell Starc Ripper Sends Moeen Ali Packing

England vs Australia Live, 3rd Ashes Test, Day 4 Live: Ben Duckett failed to make his Day 3 experience count and departed early on Day 4 of the 3rd Lord's Test. Mitchell Starc then produced a ripper to send Moeen Ali packing. Earlier, Chris Woakes led the way with the ball before England openers on Day 3 of a must-win third Ashes Test against Australia. Woakes, playing his first Test since March last year, took 3-68 as Australia were dismissed for 224 in their second innings on a rain-marred third day. The hosts were 27/0 at stumps with Duckett and Crawley unbeaten on 18 and 9, respectively. (Live Scorecard)

Moeen Ali strikes twice, Chris Woakes gets Usman Khawaja late as England hunt victory against reeling Australia

A stunning late rally from England put them in a winning position after an enthralling Day 2 at Headingley that saw 11 wickets fall. Late wickets from Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes left Australia on 116-4 leading by just 142 with England smelling the victory they need to get back into The Ashes. Ad England had earlier resumed 195 runs behind Australia on 68-3 but they struggled to get any more joy out of a lively Headingley pitch than their opponents did.

Usman Khawaja Singled Out For Abuse In Lord's Long room, Claims Report

The unfortunate confrontation of the Australian players by the English crowd at Lord's Long Room has left the entire world utterly disappointed. The crowd booed the Australia cricketers, showing the retaliation over the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow during the Day 5 of the second Ashes Test between England and Australia. Apart from this, some members of Lord's confronted Usman Khawaja and David Warner at the Long Room, which has grabbed everyone's attention. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) also issued an apology to the Pat Cummins-led team regarding the same.