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In a stunning turnaround, Australia declared their first innings at 289/9 on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies at Gabba in Brisbane, a mere 22 runs behind the visitors’ formidable score of 311. The captivating partnership between Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins steered Australia out of a perilous position after an initial struggle, marked by the team’s slump to 50/5. Alzarri Joseph‘s impressive spell earned him figures of 4/84, while Kemar Roach contributed with three crucial wickets for the West Indies.
Usman Khawaja-Pat Cummins masterclass: A resilient recovery by Australia
The afternoon session witnessed a sudden collapse for Australia, losing key wickets, including Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. In the fifth over, Cameron Green lofted the ball to mid-off, while Travis Head nicked one down the leg side, putting Roach on a hat-trick. However, Khawaja skillfully negotiated the hat-trick ball, surviving the potentially challenging delivery. Mitchell Marsh‘s dismissal further deepened Australia’s predicament at 50/5. Nevertheless, Khawaja, along with Alex Carey and Cummins, orchestrated a brilliant recovery, each reaching a commendable half-century and steering Australia close to the West Indies total.
Australia’s bold declaration
Khawaja’s elegant innings of 75 eventually met its end with an edge to first slip, providing debutant Kevin Sinclair with his maiden Test wicket. Carey, on a path to a potential century, succumbed to a catch at square leg. Cummins, showcasing his prowess, not only secured his highest Test score but also orchestrated a strategic declaration with one wicket in hand. The bold move set the stage for a challenging period for the West Indies before stumps, and they lost an early wicket, finishing at 13/1 with a modest lead of 35.
Also WATCH: Kemar Roach wreaks havoc at Gabba; onslaughts Australian top-order during AUS vs WI 2nd Test
Kevin Sinclair’s debut brilliance for the West Indies
Earlier in the day, West Indies successfully compiled a formidable total of 311 in their inaugural innings. Commencing play from an overnight score of 266/8, Sinclair emerged as a pivotal figure, exhibiting resilience and determination as he notched up a defiant half-century, scoring 50 off 98 balls. His innings was characterized by the elegant execution of five fours and an emphatic six. The culmination of this impressive display came as Sinclair was stumped off the bowling of off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Can’t think of too many other Aussie batters who’ve stepped up and bailed the team out of precarious situations with the bat across formats more often than Pat Cummins in the last 6 months #AusvWI
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) January 26, 2024
Team batting second in first innings of a test match, declaring before being able to achieve lead, is this normal? When did it happen last time? Some cool Cummins ways, gotta trust the man, yay!#AUSvWI
— Shambhu Nath Pradip (@2shambhunath) January 26, 2024
This is fantastic … Shamar Joseph last week … Kevin Sinclair this week … So good to see new players for the West Indies producing some magic .. #AUSvWI
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 26, 2024
Brilliant innings from Khawaja and Carey and Cummins to pull Australia out of the inferno. #AUSvWI
— All Things Rugby League 🏳️🌈 (@ATRugbyLeague) January 26, 2024
Usman Khawaja and Pat Cummins saving Australia on Australia Day is a rather delightful turn of events
— elle hardy (@ellehardy) January 26, 2024
First time that Steve Smith & Marnus Labuschagne have both been dismissed in a Test innings without scoring at least 10 runs between them
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 26, 2024
Lol imagine being an Aussie fan, criticising Usman Khawaja who is BEST TEST BATTER right now and sucking Biggest HTB’s diyuck.
I think i saw it all on my TL.
I want Khawaja to retire RIGHT NOW and want to see WHO STEPS UP FOR AUSTRALIA IN 24-4.
— Himanshu (@himmyrao23) January 26, 2024
Usman Khawaja is like that one employee who gets promoted and then works harder and stays in limelight the very next day.
— 𝓢𝓮𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓱 🇵🇰 (@itsmeSehrish) January 26, 2024
Australia declare at 289: https://t.co/keKYIEa7AZ
Brave call by the Aussie skipper!#cricket #PatCummins #AUSvWI #CricketTimes #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/niH6zLPiKq
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 26, 2024
What a story it would be if West Indies could push Australia hard, maybe even win this second Test. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja calmly bats unperturbed, as if in a separate universe. He knows how to bat for long periods of time, a rarity in Test cricket these days.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) January 26, 2024
Usman Khawaja Test legacy is bigger than Warner’s & i doubt Marnus will ever a career like him…Usman after 35 has taken his game to next level
— JSK (@imjsk27) January 26, 2024
Australia declare behind in order to get overs with the pink ball under lights!!
That’s what you call cahonees and rethinking the game.
Forget all about BazBall, the new way is Cumball! #AUSvsWI
— Jack Rule (@JackRuleLD) January 26, 2024
A perfect way for Australia to end the day with a wicket right at the close.
West Indies’ lead is 35 runs heading into day three #AUSvWI
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 26, 2024
WI get ready for Day 3️⃣ tomorrow.#AUSvWI #MenInMaroon pic.twitter.com/blzMExLxWn
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) January 26, 2024
Also WATCH: Kevin Sinclair takes a breathtaking flying catch to get rid of Marnus Labuschagne – AUS vs WI, 2024
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