Khawaja crafts ton to give Oz the edge

Usman Khawaja crafted an impressive unbeaten century as Australia earned a first- innings lead on day two of their day- night cricket test against South Africa in Adelaide.

Replying to South Africa’s 259- 9 declared, Australia reached 307- 6 at stumps for a first- innings lead of 48.

Khawaja received admirable support from Steve Smith and Peter Handscomb, who both scored halfcenturies.

Khawaja added 137 for the third wicket with Smith before the Australian skipper was calamitously run out for 59, and a further 99 runs for the fourth wicket with Handscomb, who made 54 on his test debut.

Australia looked to be building a handy first- innings lead until Handscomb’s departure triggered the loss of three wickets for just 10 runs.

Khawaja adopted a decidedly oldschool approach in the innovative fixture when he resumed day t wo on three after being forced to open the batting.

The elegant left- hander faced 39 balls late on day one after Faf du Plessis’ timely declaration meant David Warner missed the start of Australia’s innings.

Khawaja posted Australia’s first ton in the three- test series, stroking just 12 boundaries from his 285 balls as he batted the entire day, finishing unbeaten on 138.

He attacked judiciously and only when he was set, having left the ball