England endured a frustrating second day of the final Ashes Test as Usman Khawaja eased Australia into an advantageous position at the SCG.
Stuart Broad was left one wicket short of a famous milestone – on 399 in Tests – while Steve Smith bagged yet another in his prolific series as he joined Garfield Sobers as the second-quickest batsman to 6,000 runs.
Half-centuries from Khawaja (91no) and David Warner (56) were the most telling contributions, however, as the hosts reached 193 for two at stumps in reply to 346 all out.
Stumps at the SCG with Khawaja (91) and Smith (44) to resume in the morning: https://t.co/vhFwlbdpM8 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/A16UrDtSKS
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 5, 2018
Content over style
Shot of the day
Really like what @dmalan29 brings to Test Cricket. Has the game and plenty of ? about him!#Ashes
— Marcus North (@Marcus_North) January 4, 2018
Dawid Malan added only seven runs to his overnight 55, but they included a glorious cover-driven four on the up in Nathan Lyon’s first over.
Mason lays foundations
Stat of the day
399 – Stuart Broad is on the verge of another major milestone, second in England’s all-time wicket-taking list behind only his team-mate James Anderson.
Tweet of the day
Keep us up all night Tom Curran. Showing the gutsy talent were used too enjoying @surreycricket
— Richard Thompson (@rich_thomo) January 5, 2018
What next?
All those that say @stevesmith49 only scores runs when it’s flat !!!!!!! 2nd Quickest to 6000 Test Runs … behind Bradman and level with Sir Gary Sobers …. 111 Innings …. He is a freak .. #Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 5, 2018
A tight contest may still be in the offing, but Australia are on top with Smith at the crease.
