Usman Khawaja’s century gives Australia the edge against South Africa
Top-order batsman at the crease the entire time on second day to be unbeaten on 138 and the home side 307 for six in reply to Proteas’ first innings of 259 for nine declared
Iron-willed Usman Khawaja batted out the entire day to tilt the third day-night cricket test towards Australia with a masterful century against South Africa in Adelaide on Friday.
At the close on the second day, the Australians were 307 for six in reply to the Proteas’ 259 for nine declared, with Khawaja unbeaten on 138 off 285 balls and Mitchell Starc not out 16. The home side lead by 48 runs.
It was Khawaja’s fifth test century and arguably his best as Australia seek to prevent the Proteas from an unprecedented series clean sweep after huge defeats in the opening two tests.
It was the first century by an Australian in the series and the stylish left-hander has now scored 307 runs in the three tests.
“Credit to Usman to bat an entire day against a world-class attack,” said teammate Peter Handscomb, who scored a half-century on debut batting with Khawaja.
“He was very collected, very calculated and he never looked flustered ... it was awesome to watch him from the other end.”
Smith, who was put down by Hashim Amla on 46, was sailing along when his run out for 59 came out of the blue in a bad breakdown in communication with Khawaja.
After Smith called for a quick single off left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, Khawaja took several tentative steps before wheeling back and Smith was caught well out of his ground by Vernon Philander’s throw to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.
Smith put on 137 for the third wicket in his 158 minutes at the crease and his dismissal summoned Handscomb to the wicket.
Handscomb looked comfortable in his 78-ball stay, hitting six fours, including three successive boundaries off Philander to reach his maiden test half-century.
“I think [Saturday’s] first session will be key. If we can pick up the last four wickets and not have a deficit of 100 or above,” Abbott said.
“I think anything under 100 we would be pretty confident in knocking off and then posting a score after that.”