Usman Khawaja 13th test century
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Usman Khawaja smashes 13th test century: Khawaja’s fondness with the SCG entered a new chapter on Thursday when the 36-year-old scored his 13th Test century in front of his wife and two young children to tie Damien Martyn and Bill Lawry on all-time list.
Khawaja resumed his dominating streak at the SCG with his fourth century there in the NRMA Insurance series finale against South Africa, a week after Warner recorded a taxing double century at the MCG.
The Southpaw drove South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada for two runs during the opening session of the second day of the third Test against the Proteas on Thursday, marking his 13th Test century and third straight at the SCG.
Usman Khawaja joins Sachin Tendulkar and Wally Hammond in an elite group
Khawaja is now the only Australian to average above 100 in Sydney Tests (minimum five innings), a feat only shared by Sachin Tendulkar (157) of India and England’s Wally Hammond (161.60) in the venue’s illustrious history.
In addition, he surpasses Warner to become the seventh player in Sydney to have four or more Test hundreds. He also becomes the first Australian since Doug Walters in 1969 to have three centuries in as many Test innings at the SCG.
Khawaja scored his fourth Test century in the capital of New South Wales after reaching the milestone in 206 deliveries on day two of the New Year’s match against South Africa. Only the legendary Ricky Ponting has amassed more Test tonnes at the SCG.
He was unconcerned by the constant halts in Sydney, where players frequently left the field because of rain and poor lighting. It’s difficult to maintain concentrate after every delay.
Khawaja, whose leg glance was undoubtedly his most effective move, rarely attacked outside of the stumps and instead waited for South Africa’s seamers to stray onto the pads. He drove forcefully through gaps in the covers when spinners overpitched.
Khawaja has now scored five Test hundreds since rejoining the Australia Test team for that Sydney Test last year, capping off an incredible 12 months.
Khawaja, one of the four candidates for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2022, had not participated in a Test match for his nation in nearly two and a half years before making a comeback against England during the Ashes.
The 36-year-old is up for the prized accolade alongside Rabada and England’s Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow. He scored a staggering 1080 runs at an average of 67.50 from the 11 games he played in last year.
AUS vs SA 3rd test update:
Talking about the match, Australia once again in commanding position after the fourth session of the third test with 266 on board and 8 wickets still in hand.
After losing David Warner early in the game, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja steadied Australia’s innings with Labuschagne got out after scoring scorching 79, Khawaja still playing and also completed his well-deserved hundred in the process. Steve Smith playing alongside him, nearing hundred run-mark too.
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