Veteran batter Usman Khawaja has celebrated his return to the Test side with a memorable Ashes century in his first outing since 2019.

Khawaja flicked spinner Jack Leach for three off the third-last ball before tea to bring up his hundred, sparking wild celebrations in front of an SCG crowd that included his pregnant wife Rachel and daughter Aisha.

Australia reached 6-321 at the tea break, with Khawaja unbeaten on 102 and captain Pat Cummins on 15 not out.

Having resumed on 4 not out on the second morning, Khawaja was dropped on 28 by captain Joe Root at slip off the bowling of Jack Leach.

He also survived a short-pitched assault from Ben Stokes in his patient innings, which has featured 11 boundaries and come off 202 balls.

Khawaja got his chance after middle-order batter Travis Head tested positive to COVID-19, having run drinks for the first three Tests of the series.

The knock has created a selection dilemma for the fifth Test in Hobart, with Head available to return. It could prompt calls for the veteran to replace Marcus Harris at the top of the order.

It should also help Khawaja seal a place for Australia’s proposed March tour to the country of his birth, Pakistan.

Rachel Khawaja said her husband’s first hundred in front of their daughter was a special moment.

“It’s incredible. It was so unexpected. We didn’t think he would be playing this game,” she told Fox Cricket.

“He was definitely a bit nervous a few days leading in for sure, more than I expected. But once he had the final net session the day before he felt a bit better.

“And then last night, he surprised me with how calm he was. He had a good night sleep, he woke up this morning and he seemed pretty chilled.

“Life’s really changed for us and so it really puts things into perspective. I wanted him to play one more Test at home so that she (Aisha) could be there. It’s pretty incredible. It’s amazing.”