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

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. And when Stuart Broad overpitched, Khawaja stylishly drove him through cover-point for four.

Australia's approach was in marked contrast to the aggressive 'Bazball' style that led to several England top-order batsmen throwing away their wickets against the short ball on Thursday.

Khawaja was reprieved on 19 when he pulled fast bowler Josh Tongue to James Anderson at forward square only for the ball to go through the hands of the England veteran, who did not appear to pick up the ball early enough.

England eventually broke through after repeatedly beating the outside edge when Ashes debutant Tongue nipped one back to have Warner lbw, leaving Australia 63-1. Marnus Labuschagne was given out lbw for just three, only for the decision to be overturned on review.

England collapse

Labuschagne, however, was dismissed for 30 when he steered Anderson to Harry Brook at backward point. But Khawaja,