In a rain-affected day at Lord’s on Friday, opener Usman Khawaja‘s splendid form continued as he anchored Australia’s innings and formed crucial partnerships with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, taking Australia’s lead beyond 200 runs in the second Ashes Test against England.
At the close of play on Day 3, Australia stood strong at 130/2, with Khawaja unbeaten on a solid 58 and Steve Smith at the crease on 6*. Notably, the final session began with Australia at 81/1, with Khawaja (45*) and Labuschagne (8*) providing a steady foundation.
Australia reached the 100-run mark in the 35th over, with Khawaja unleashing a powerful shot off Stuart Broad to the fence, simultaneously bringing up his 23rd Test fifty in 105 deliveries. This marked Khawaja’s second half-century of the series, in addition to a century.
Khawaja’s partnership with Labuschagne proved vital as they propelled Australia’s lead past the 200-run mark. However, James Anderson made a breakthrough, dismissing Labuschagne for 30 off 51 balls. At that point, Australia’s score stood at 123/2, after Harry Brook took a comfortable catch at backward point, ending the 60-run partnership.
Unfortunately, rain intervened, forcing a delay in play. The interruption occurred with Australia at 130/2, with Khawaja and Steve Smith standing unbeaten. As the match heads into the fourth day, Australia will look to build on their lead and further solidify their position against a resilient English side.
Brief score: Australia 416 and 130/2 (Usman Khawaja 58*) lead England 325 (Ben Duckett 98, Harry Brook 50, Mitchell Starc 3/88, Travis Head 2/17, Josh Hazlewood 2/71) by 221 runs.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Hundred in 1st innings in 1st Test.
Fifty in 2nd innings in 1st Test.
Fifty in 2nd innings in 2nd Test.Usman Khawaja is having a dream summer in England, he is dominating Ashes. pic.twitter.com/IB79gkOqRn
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 30, 2023
An early stumps at Lord’s on Day 3 due to rain.
Australia in a comfortable position with the lead of 221, Khawaja and Smith to resume from Day 4. pic.twitter.com/ruqvG4ULJR
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 30, 2023
188/1 with Nathan Lyon’s series over, for England to then go onto bat like they did is unforgivable. I’m praying for a 5-0 but it was just pathetic. How can you throw away an ashes series for this ego driven slog fest. #ashes #ashes23
— 115tanbul 🏆 (@CTID66) June 30, 2023
Such was the stupid display with the bat for Eng, we totally forgot Australia are playing with 10 men .#bazball is fun but Eng more keen on trying to out proof everything logical rather than applying common sense #cricket. #ashes almost gone @nassercricket @Athersmike @KP24
— addicted (@addicted_7) June 30, 2023
Usman Khawaja has by far the highest batting average in test history of anyone at opener who has opened in more than 20 innings
— David Oliver (@mancunianmedic) June 30, 2023
Ashes Day 3 at Stumped Update :-
Australia finished on day 3 at Lords Test is 130/2.Usman Khawaja not Out on 58*(123) run.
Now Australia lead by 221 runs.#Ashes2023 #ENGvsAUS— Surinder (@navsurani) June 30, 2023
Usman Khawaja stretches Australia’s advantage before rain ends play early https://t.co/XSLFBwR3eL pic.twitter.com/kVWzrUwhLA
— Hassan Ahmad (@_hassanahmad_) June 30, 2023
I’ve resigned myself to the #Ashes being gone. I’m now mentally preparing myself for the next major England disappointment at #Euro2024… 😬
— Andy Durrant (@andydurrant75) June 30, 2023
This #Ashes series is so disappointing so far, seems like England have just thrown it away through lack of application when betting.
— Bernie (@netmnp) June 30, 2023
Dreadful display by #England today, but it started yesterday when Nathan Lyon went off injured. This #bazball seems to involve not thinking about the match situation. #ENGvAUS #Lords #Ashes
— Eddie Maylor (@Eddie_21001) June 30, 2023
It was moving day at Lords and the Aussies certainly seized the moment with some good ol’ fashioned Test cricket. Starc brilliant as we went on the attack 1st session before Khawaja did what he does best. In the box seat – time to drive home the advantage on Day 4 🤞🇦🇺 #ashes
— brad davidson (@braddavo) June 30, 2023
among the top six batters (excluding Ben Foakes, who has his own way of batting). And because he (Stokes) bats at No.5, once the Bazballing fails & they lose wkts in a heap, he has to do the rebuilding work. He’s lost his form a bit doing that. Ironic!#Ashes2023 #Ashes #Stokes
— Ani (@anirudhani_) June 30, 2023
Weird yet predictable the amount of people coming for Bazball after one and a half tests
Some outstandingly bad takes, every single one ignoring the fact Australia are the best team in the world
Hope England stay true to their beliefs & prove the critics wrong #ENGvAUS#Ashes
— Bob (@In_Ludo_Veritas) June 30, 2023
Pretty Sure This Set Up is Unbeatable .
Captain Cummins is going to Make history 🏆 .#Ashes https://t.co/9aBZztn1Ephttps://t.co/Th4vhEc0HE— Anurag (@anurag_17_) June 30, 2023