Khawaja and Labuschagne Steady Australia Amidst Early Wickets in Ashes Test

Australia's Strong Start in the Third Ashes Test

Adelaide [Australia], December 17: A resilient partnership between Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne helped stabilize Australia's innings after a tumultuous start, leaving them at 94/2 at lunch on the first day of the third Ashes Test against England.

The pair contributed 61 runs off 90 deliveries for the third wicket, showcasing their composure at the crease.

After winning the toss, Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bat first. However, the team faced a significant setback just before the match commenced, as star player Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness.

Smith had been unwell leading up to the game and was officially sidelined on match day, with Khawaja stepping in as his replacement.

Australia opted for Jake Weatherald and Travis Head as their opening batsmen, who made a promising start, reaching 29 runs without loss in the first six overs, signaling potential trouble for the English side.

However, Jofra Archer dismissed Weatherald for 18, as he top-edged a delivery that was caught by Jamie Smith behind the stumps, bringing Labuschagne to the crease.

In the very next over, Brydon Carse's delivery was brilliantly caught by Zak Crawley at cover-point, ending Head's innings at 10 and bringing Khawaja to join Labuschagne.

England had another opportunity to dismiss Khawaja, but Harry Brook dropped a straightforward catch at second slip, denying Tongue a second wicket.

As the players headed to lunch, Australia stood at 94/2, with Khawaja on 41 and Labuschagne on 19.