LONDON: Opener Usman Khawaja helped Australia to take control of 1st Ashes Test at Edgbaston on day 2. The left hander hit his 15th Test ton to take the visitors to 311 in 94 overs losing 5 wickets at stumps after England declared their 1st innings at 393/8 on day 1.
Khawaja remained unbeaten at 126 from 279 balls with 14 fours and 2 sixes with Alex Carey (52 runs off 80 balls). Both already added 91 runs from 164 for the sixth wicket.
Earlier, Australia rebuild from some early losses to sit on 188-4 at tea. Ben Stokes had secured the prized wicket of talisman Steve Smith to leave Australia struggling on 78-3 at lunch, following Stuart Broad's two wickets in two balls to remove David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne.
Khawaja, helped by Travis Head who scored 50, helped keep England at bay however, leaving the first Test tantalisingly poised with one session of the second day still to come.
Head released the shackles for Australia after the break as conditions stayed more sunny and favourable for batting, targeting the bowling of Moeen Ali especially. He failed to get hold of one on-side drive, however, and Zak Crawley took a fine catch to end his innings.
Cameron Green looked shaky after coming to the crease but eased into the match and stayed alongside Khawaja, who has already amassed his highest ever score in England. Agencies
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