Usman Khawaja makes Ashes history in 85-year first in fifth Test

Usman Khawaja has once again shown how valuable he is at the top of the order for Australia after notching an incredible slice of history during the fifth Ashes Test. Khawaja proved the rock at the top of the order for the Aussies once more, facing 75 deliveries to remain unbeaten on 26 runs going into day two at The Oval, before he was dismissed for 47 on Friday.

Khawaja batted his way to a stunning 85-year Ashes first, with the classy left-hander's steady knock seeing him become the first Australian opener to face 1000 deliveries in a five-match Ashes series in England since 1938. Khawaja's innings showed the patience and mental resolve that has long been associated with batting in Test cricket.

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It may not have been played in the same swashbuckling and entertaining style as England's 'Bazball' approach, but the Aussies won't mind one bit if it helps them clinch a first series victory in England since 2001. The Aussies - 2-1 up in the series - know a draw in this Test will be good enough but they've consistently maintained they'll be playing for the win.

In the form of the ever-dependable Khawaja, the visitors had a solid foundation from which to press home their advantage when day two resumes on Friday. Khawaja's 47 runs make him the leading run-scorer of the series and in strong contention to be named player-of-the-series.

Khawaja hit a big century in the first Test at Edgbaston and has added two half centuries in an impressive showing this series. On day one at The Oval, the opener continued to be a thorn in England's side, biding his time at the crease before punishing anything loose from the home side's bowlers.

Proving the Aussies are unfazed by Bazball and determined to play their own style, Khawaja left good deliveries well alone on day one, flicking off his pads and nudging into gaps to tick over the strike with Warner, before his opening partner fell victim to Chris Woakes for the third time in a row. Khawaja wasn't afraid to show his attacking intent after driving England's quicks down the ground when they did over-pitch.

“Classic old opener, Usman Khawaja,” former opener and Aussie captain Mark Taylor said on Sky Sports. “He makes the bowler bowl at him, which is the old way of playing. These days, a lot of openers go after the ball. Duckett, Crawley and Warner all go after the ball, try and dominate the bowling. Khawaja is your old-fashioned type. Sits back, waits for you to bowl the ball that he wants you to bowl.”

Moeen Ali injury concern rocks England

Khawaja and the Aussies may look to cash in on an injury concern for England spinner Moeen Ali, who hurt his groin while batting and did not take the field in the final session on day one. If Moeen is unable to bowl, it will place a greater burden on the pace quartet of Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad and James Anderson. Part-time spinner Joe Root is another option for the hosts.

England's medical staff will continue to monitor Moeen's injury after he struggled to run. The veteran was looming a crucial component for England's hopes of levelling the series on a wicket typically favourable for spin.

If Moeen is unable to bowl, England would have to lean on Root as their spin option after previously using him heavily in the first two Tests at Edgbaston and Lord's. England are already without Ben Stokes' bowling for this match due to his ongoing knee issues.

with agencies

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