Centuries at the SCG showcased both sides of Khawaja’s game and could re-establish him as a Test regular beyond this series
If you’re going to make a statement, you might as well make it emphatic. That has been the attitude reflected in Usman Khawaja’s feats in
Sydney at the fourth Ashes Test as he followed his first-innings 137 with an unbeaten 101. He joined the very rare club to have made twin centuries in a Test, alongside 16 other Australians, and in scoring his 10th Test ton he drew level with Lindsay Hassett, Bob Simpson and Simon Katich.
The first century was the work of an opener, even if in this match he was required to bat at No 5. Khawaja left the ball with dedication, waited out good spells and was restrained in his shot selection before gradually expanding it. He faced 260 balls at a strike rate of just over 50. His only close call was a fast edge from the left-arm spinner, Jack Leach, that hit the wicketkeeper’s leg and bounced clear.