In a dramatic turn of events just minutes before the toss, veteran batsman Usman Khawaja made a triumphant return to the Australian Test side, crafting a crucial unbeaten innings to steady the ship after early setbacks. On the opening day of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, Australia reached 94 for 2 at the lunch interval, largely thanks to Khawaja's composed 41 not out.
A Late Call-Up and Early Pressure
Khawaja's inclusion was a last-minute decision, rushed into the playing XI as a replacement for the unwell Steve Smith. The left-hander, who had missed the second Test due to a back injury and was initially omitted from the squad, walked out to bat under significant pressure. Australia had just lost two wickets in the space of six deliveries, rocking their start after a steady opening partnership.
The innings began with new openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald, who added 33 runs without loss against some inconsistent English bowling. However, the momentum shifted violently when speedster Jofra Archer fired a sharp short ball at nearly 148 kph to dismiss Weatherald for 18, the batsman top-edging to the wicketkeeper. The very next over, Brydon Carse struck with his first ball, as Head (10) drove at a wide delivery only for Zak Crawley to take a spectacular low catch at short cover.
Khawaja Capitalises on a Second Chance
Walking in at 33 for 2, Khawaja's examination began immediately, facing debutant Josh Tongue bowling his first Test delivery outside England. The veteran opener survived an early scare when, on just 5 runs, he was given a lifeline as Harry Brook dropped a chest-high catch at second slip. Khawaja made England pay dearly for the error.
Teaming up with the dependable Marnus Labuschagne, who was 19 not out at lunch, Khawaja batted with authority and calm. He struck six elegant boundaries, capitalising on the reprieve to add 36 more runs. Their unbroken third-wicket partnership of 61 runs guided Australia through a testing phase, helping the team add 44 runs in the seven overs leading up to the lunch break.
Sombre Prelude to Play
The day's cricket was preceded by solemn ceremonies. Players from both teams wore black armbands, flags flew at half-mast, and a moment of silence was observed to honour the victims of a recent deadly antisemitic attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach. The traditional pre-match formalities included an Indigenous "Welcome to Country" ceremony, the playing of both national anthems, and a rendition of "True Blue" by John Williamson.
With Australia leading the five-match series 2-0, this third Test in Adelaide presents an opportunity for the home side to secure a decisive advantage in their quest to reclaim the Ashes urn. The composed partnership between Khawaja and Labuschagne has set a platform for Australia to build a substantial first-innings total after navigating a shaky start.
