Former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan lauded Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey's approach with the bat and the impact it had on Australia's innings. While Usman Khawaja garnered the headlines for his unbeaten century, Morgan opined that it was Carey's innings on Day that proved to be the 'difference-maker'.
"I think it has been Australia's day. I would rather be sat in Australia's changing room right now and the difference for me has been Carey," Morgan said while speaking to Sky Sports after the game.
"You always expect an Australian to grind out some runs on this wicket. That impetus late on in the day and leading momentum into when the new ball came in from Khawaja and Carey was outstanding," he added.
Khawaja once again rose to the occasion and struck a magnificent century to keep Australia in good stead despite early jolts as England bowlers left frustrated on Day 2 of the Ashes 2023 opener at Edgbaston on Saturday (June 17). When the chips were down Khawaja paired with Alex Carey and steered Australia to a commanding 311/5 at the end of Day 2's play. When Australia were faltering at 220/5, the duo team's boat and stitched together a 91-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
By the end of Day's play, Khawaja was unbeaten at 126 off 279 with Carey by his side who too was unscathed at 52 off 80 as Australia still trail by 82 runs. While Khawaja cracked 14 fours and two sixes, Carey belted seven boundaries and a maximum.
Ben Stokes-led England dominated the opening session with three early wickets but couldn't really capitalise on the kind of start they got. Moeen and Broad did manage to take two wickets apiece but rest of the bowlers looked clueless throughout the day. Ollie Robinson and veteran James Anderson remained wicketless on Day 2.
Earlier on Day 1, England had declared their innings after scoring 393/8, with Joe Root slamming a hundred. Zak Crawley and Jonny Bairstow scored half-centuries for the hosts.
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Ashes 2023: Khawaja's fighting century keeps Australia in good stead as England bowlers left frustrated despite early breakthroughs on Day 2
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