These were meant to be words about an Usman Khawaja century as he finally set straight seven years of Ashes false starts in conditions where he has excelled, a century where the No3 replicated the poise and control that underpinned his masterful ton at the same venue 12 months ago to make Joe Root’s decision to put Australia in look disastrous.
Instead, his dismissal four balls after the dinner interval exposed the hosts’ collapsible middle order at the most dangerous time in day-night matches as artificial light took over and the wicket’s additional grass stood proud and ready to aid the pink ball’s nip. With a careless waft and an edge, it was over in the most cliched of ways for the stylist on 53.
Related: Australia dig in but England’s Craig Overton nabs Steve Smith
Related: Steve Smith was saying I was slow, it was nice to beat him for pace, says Overton
Continue reading...