Khawaja makes 50 as Australia lose Warner in 2nd West Indies Test
December 8, 2022 01:45 PM
A rock-solid Usman Khawaja surpassed 1,000 Test runs for the year on his way to a half-century on Thursday as Australia reached 89-1 at dinner on day one of the pink-ball second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide.
Khawaja was unbeaten on 50, becoming only the third man in 2022 to hit the 1,000-run landmark after England's Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, who have both played more matches.
Marnus Labuschagne, who smacked a double century in the first innings and another ton in the second innings of the first Test at Perth, was alongside him on 13.
David Warner was the only wicket to fall, out for 21 to a loose shot. The batsmen were otherwise untroubled on a flat pitch offering little for the fast bowlers.
The home side, who have won every day-night Test they have contested, are looking to wrap up the two-match series after winning the opener by 164 runs.
Both sides were depleted.
Australian pace spearheads Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were ruled out, with Scott Boland and Michael Neser replacing them. Steve Smith is captaining the side.
Three West Indian mainstays were also omitted injured, including allrounder Kyle Mayers (shoulder) and bowlers Kemar Roach (hamstring) and Jayden Seales (knee).
Anderson Phillip, Devon Thomas, and Marquino Mindley started instead, with the latter two on debut.
On a fine but cool day, Smith won the toss and batted, looking to build a big score as Australia did in their Perth first innings, which took the game away from the visitors.
Warner initially bided his time, but then unleashed in the ninth over with three sumptuous fours off Alzarri Joseph.
But, like in the first Test, the left-hander's desire for quick runs cost him. He was caught behind by Joshua Da Silva after slashing at another wide Joseph delivery and getting a nick.
Labuschagne was happy to play second fiddle to the no-nonsense Khawaja, who brought up his 19th Test half-century just before the break.