Daijiworld Media Network - Adelaide

Adelaide, Dec 17: Veteran batter Usman Khawaja made a dramatic return to the Ashes with a composed knock of 82 on Wednesday, rescuing Australia after a shaky start on the opening day of the third Test against England.

Khawaja was rushed back into the playing XI on the eve of his 39th birthday after Steve Smith was ruled out with illness just before the toss. The left-hander repaid the faith with a crucial innings, forging vital partnerships to lift Australia to 194 for five at tea.

After surviving a dropped catch on five, Khawaja put on 61 runs with Marnus Labuschagne and later added 91 with wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who remained unbeaten on 48. Josh Inglis was on five when tea was taken, having safely negotiated the final moments of the session after Khawaja was dismissed attempting a slog-sweep off spinner Will Jacks, finding Josh Tongue in the deep.

England struck in clusters during both sessions, with Jofra Archer spearheading the attack. Archer (3/19) broke the opening stand in the ninth over and then struck twice in the first over after lunch, removing Labuschagne (19) and Cameron Green (0) to put Australia under pressure.

Khawaja had missed the second Test due to a back injury and was initially left out of the Adelaide XI, raising speculation about his Test future. However, his recall came swiftly after Smith was sidelined with nausea and dizziness.

Australia, leading the five-match series 2-0 after eight-wicket wins in Perth and Brisbane, are looking to maintain their dominance as England chase a must-win game to keep the Ashes alive.

Earlier, after skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat in his first Test since July, Australia’s new opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald began confidently. But Archer ended the stand by cramping Weatherald (18) with a sharp short ball, resulting in a simple catch behind.

Australia slipped to 33-2 when Brydon Carse dismissed Head (10), who was brilliantly caught by Zak Crawley at short cover. Khawaja then steadied the innings despite early pressure from Tongue, who was playing his first Test outside England. He was given a reprieve when Harry Brook spilled a regulation chance at second slip in the 16th over.

Khawaja’s innings ensured Australia remained competitive on a day marked by fluctuating fortunes, setting the stage for an intriguing contest as the Test progresses.