![Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Usman Khawaja throws his bat up in the air to celebrate maiden Test century in England](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Usman-Khawaja-celebrates-after-smashing-a-ton.jpg "Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Usman Khawaja throws his bat up in the air to celebrate maiden Test century in England")
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Usman Khawaja, the Australian left-handed batter, achieved a historic milestone on Saturday by scoring his first century on English soil in Test cricket. Carrying the weight of the Australian innings on his shoulders, Khawaja registered his 15th century in the longest format of the game. However, it was his electrifying celebration that left the Englishmen astonished on Day 2 of the Edgbaston Test.
Notably, Australia found themselves in a precarious position early in their innings, struggling at 67/3 after Stuart Broad took two wickets in two balls, dismissing David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne. England captain Ben Stokes then claimed the prized scalp of star genius batter Steve Smith.
After smashing a tremendous ton, Khawaja celebrated in grand style. It all happened during the 69th over when Joe Root bowled a back-of-a-length delivery and Khawaja skillfully guided the ball towards the third man boundary, completing his century in emphatic fashion.
As the ball raced towards the boundary, Khawaja let out a mighty roar of triumph, exuding his immense joy and excitement. In an incredible display of celebration, he leaped into the air, discarding his bat skyward while mouthing words of exultation. He then removed his helmet and raised both hands, directing his gaze towards the Australian dressing room, expressing his gratitude to his teammates for their support.
Here is the video:
A magnificent 💯 from Usman Khawaja 😍
The south-paw fights against all odds to get Australia back in the game 👊#SonySportsNetwork #RivalsForever #ENGvAUS #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/yaz1Y7gIt1
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 17, 2023
The commentators were left stunned by the spectacle, unable to contain their astonishment at Khawaja’s passionate celebration. Nasser Hussain, the former England captain turned commentator, commented on-air, saying, “The celebrations tell you everything. It’s his 15th Test hundred, the first in England. What a couple of years he is having in Test cricket. You can see what that hundred means to him.”
Similarly, Ricky Ponting, another renowned cricketer and commentator, echoed the sentiments, stating, “Brilliant innings. Well played and well deserved. He’s right there at the top of the Australia Test team. He got back to this team, got his 15th Test hundred now, the first in the UK, and you can see what that means to him. He got the monkey off his back.”
Khawaja continued his splendid batting display, remaining unbeaten on 126 runs at the end of the day’s play. He forged a crucial partnership of 91 runs with Alex Carey, who also remained unbeaten on 52 runs, propelling Australia to finish Day 2 at 311/5, trailing England by only 82 runs.
