Ashes 2023: Ben Stokes deploys unique field setup to dismiss Usman Khawaja in first Test

Usman Khawaja was sensational for Australia in the first innings of the first Test of the Ashes 2023. After England notched up 393 runs on the board, Australia came in to bat but were struggling against England’s bowling lineup.

However, it was Khawaja who came in all guns blazing and played a fabulous knock of 141 runs in 321 deliveries. It was the highest score by an Australian opener in England this century. Furthermore, Khawaja’s marvellous knock helped the side notch up 386 runs on the board and minimise their trail.

Well-set Khawaja was starting to pose problems for England, and as Alex Carey was dismissed in the early stages of Day 3, he was the only batter left for the Aussies in the first innings. It took a unique approach by English skipper Ben Stokes to send Khawaja packing.

In a never-seen-before tactic, Stokes went with the ‘brumbella’ fielding setup as he made the fielding change before the third ball of the 113th over. Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and James Anderson were lined up as the three players on covers, whereas Joe Root, Stuart Broad, and Stokes were in similar positions on the off-side as mid-wicket fielders. The fielding looked like a reverse umbrella on the pitch, and it left many legends and pundits baffled as well. 

However, as many raised their doubts about the fielding approach, Ben Stokes seemed to know what he was doing. As Robinson bowled a yorker to Khawaja, he hoped to play the delivery square on the offside, however, as he charged down the track, the 36-year-old completely missed the yorker and was bowled. 

Bundling Australia out for 386 runs, England maintained a slender lead of seven runs. Coming in to bat in the second innings, Australia struck early as both English openers were sent back to the pavilion. Crawley was dismissed by Scott Boland for seven runs, whereas Ben Duckett was sent packing for 19 runs by Pat Cummins. The hosts will start Day 4 with Joe Root and Ollie Pope on the crease.