England endured a frustrating second day of the final Ashes Test as Usman Khawaja eased Australia into an advantageous position at the SCG.
Stuart Broad was left one wicket short of a famous milestone – on 399 in Tests – while Steve Smith bagged yet another in his prolific series as he joined Garfield Sobers as the second-quickest batsman to 6,000 runs.
Half-centuries from Khawaja (91no) and David Warner (56) were the most telling contributions, however, as the hosts reached 193 for two at stumps in reply to 346 all out.
Content over style
Khawaja’s batting may not always get the turnstiles clicking the right way. But on a flat pitch, he was in charge here and ensured Australia finished day two very much on the front foot.
Shot of the day
Dawid Malan added only seven runs to his overnight 55, but they included a glorious cover-driven four on the up in Nathan Lyon’s first over.
Mason lays foundations
There were some slightly dodgy moments for England’s novice leg-spinner Mason Crane in his first day of bowling in Test cricket. After a long-hop first ball, he later invited extra pressure when he repeatedly pulled out of his action in his delivery stride as he struggled with the footholds. But he benefited from some understandably conservative fields and deserved his respectable figures – having posed a credible threat at times too.
Stat of the day
399 – Stuart Broad is on the verge of another major milestone, second in England’s all-time wicket-taking list behind only his team-mate James Anderson.
Tweet of the day
What next?
A tight contest may still be in the offing, but Australia are on top with Smith at the crease.
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