"The underdog" - Fans erupt after Usman Khawaja hits splendid century in first Ashes 2023 Test

Australian opener Usman Khawaja delivered a spectacular batting performance against England in the first Test of the ongoing Ashes 2023 series, at Edgbaston on June 17.

Khawaja completed an impressive century on Day 2 of the opening Test. The southpaw showcased great composure under pressure, keeping Australia in the hunt despite not getting enough support from the other top order batters.

The left-handed batter crossed the magical three-figure mark in the 69th over of Australia's first innings. A number of fans then took to social media to laud Khawaja for his batting exploits.

Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter:

Usman Khawaja is writing one of its kind exceptional come back story of his cricketing career.

#Inspiring #Ashes2023

Usman Khawaja to English bowlers: https://t.co/R343RPiUtX

This Usman Khawaja redemption arc and story is one of the best in modern cricket. Dropped and test career all but done ,he's comeback from the ashes to dominate test cricket and make himself one of the best openers currently playing. Couldn't of happened to a nicer guy
#ENGvsAUS https://t.co/ek4tWHDwIu

That roar from Usman Khawaja is everything ❤️.He deserves all the success for the hardwork he's put in for his comeback.
#Ashes23

Usman Khawaja is a super test match batsman #Ashes2023

Usman Khawaja is the type of icon that makes you believe that there is value in being a good person, in genuinely shutting out the noise and putting your team's interests above all.

From getting dropped from 3rd Ashes test last time in England to scoring a hundred in the very first innings this time, @Uz_Khawaja has come a lot.
Pakistan✅India✅and now in England✅
#Ashes2023 #UsmanKhawaja #ENGvsAUS

Just what you expect from a team chasing the score : Intent!

Brilliant ton from Khawaja. This is a great start to the Ashes.

⚱️

#UsmanKhawaja #Khawaja #TheAshes

Usman khawaja the underdog!
What a player ...
#Ashes23
@Uz_Khawaja
#ausvsengland

Usman Khawaja shows how to stick to his strengths and not trying to match English Batters in shot making. Very Fine Century 🤘👏😀 #khawaja #Australia #ENGvsAUS #Ashes23 #Ashes2023 #CricketTwitter

Usman Khawaja a gem of an innings. A gem of a player. What a year he's had

Bazball failed by Usman Khawaja. The celebration he did as if he owns the Ashes. 🤯

#Ashes23 #ENGvsAUS https://t.co/iQMwz0xSQ2

It is worth mentioning that this is Usman Khawaja's 15th Test ton, and first in England. He has performed brilliantly ever since he returned to Australia's red-ball team in January last year. With 1080 runs across 20 innings, he was the leading run-getter for his team in 2022.

Usman Khawaja steadied the ship for Australia after their top order big guns departed early

While Usman Khawaja came up with a gutsy century against England, the rest of the Australian top order batters failed to contribute significantly in the first innings.

Veteran opener David Warner managed to score just nine runs before falling to his nemesis Stuart Broad. This was the 15th time that Broad dismissed Warner in the format. The mercurial English pacer struck again on the very next ball, sending back Marnus Labuschagne for a golden duck.

The onus was on Steve Smith to bail his side out of trouble. However, he couldn't get going this time. The right-handed batter scored 16 runs and was out LBW off England captain Ben Stokes' bowling.

The in-form Travis Head chipped in with a crucial half-century, amassing 50 runs off 63 balls. Khawaja and Head stitched together an important 81-run partnership for the fourth wicket to give Australia a glimmer of hope.

All-rounder Cameron Green also made a handy contribution with the bat, amassing 38 runs before being undone by Moeen Ali. Eventually, a solid, unbeaten partnership between Khawaja and Alex Carey took Australia to 311/5 at the end of the day's play.