Former England Captain Alastair Cook hailed Australian opener Usman Khawaja for his calm and composed knock in the 2nd innings of the Lord’s test. The left-handed opener has been batting brilliantly for the Aussies in the 2nd innings of the second test after putting on a match-winning show during the 1st test in Edgbaston.
Australia had a brilliant day on the field on Day 3, as they went hard against England’s middle order batters in the morning session to restrict the team to 325 runs in the 1st innings even after a blistering start on Day 2 as the team was reduced from 188-1 to 325-10 at the Day 3. Pat Cummins led the side bowled according to their plans to outfox the attacking England batters in the 1st innings.
Speaking on BBC Sports, Alastair Cook feels that the Australian batter played very well against the England pacers on Day 3, as they showed brilliant composure to tackle the tough time and lauded Usman Khawaja for his controlled gameplay in the 2nd innings, despite being asked few questions by the England pacers
“A maiden from Jimmy Anderson that saw him ask lots of questions. This Australian line-up is not going anywhere, they are resilient and are managing these tough sessions well,” Alastair Cook said.
“You are watching a guy totally in control of his game. Khawaja is getting asked so many questions and he is on it like a flash. He plays so calmly, what impresses me is how late he can play the ball,” Alastair Cook added.
Usman Khawaja has been a standout player for Australia so far in the series, as he played exceptionally well in the 1st test and made a brilliant comeback to score a half-century in the 2nd test after being dismissed early in the 1st innings by debutant Josh Tongue.
Australia Fought Back Incredibly Hard There – Alastair Cook
Alastair Cook feels that Australia has batted well in the 2nd innings, despite the help of the pacers due to the conditions, as they fought out in the middle to post a big total to extend their lead in the 2nd innings and lauded England bowlers for keeping their line tight, as they were unfortunate to miss out on the wickets.
“It’s been slow and steady progress by Australia, they have fought incredibly hard there. England has bowled beautifully but without being able to find the outside edge. Stuart Broad appeals a lot but fair play to Ben Stokes for holding his nerve,” Alastair Cook further added.
Australia are just 2 down in the 2nd innings, they have a lead of 221 runs and Australia will look to bat on Day 4 for posting a big total for England to chase down on the final day. The Pat Cummins-led side will have a huge opportunity to take a 2-0 lead in the series if they bowl well on the final day to bowl England.