Andrew McDonald Confirms Matt Renshaw To Be Available For BBL Qualifiers Despite Usman Khawaja's Concussion

In a recent development, the Australian Cricket Board has confirmed that they will not add any additional player as a replacement for opener Usman Khawaja despite the left-hander getting retired hurt on Day 3 of the 1st Test against West Indies in Adelaide. Matt Renshaw, who was initially selected in the 16-man squad isn’t expected to remain in the mix for the 2nd Test and he will be available for BBL outfit Brisbane Heat for their challenger match on January 22.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald had released top order batsman Matt Renshaw on the night of Day 2 in Adelaide from the squad for him to get game time in the Big Bash League after failing to cut the Aussie 11 with Steve Smith getting confirmed as the team’s new opener with Usman Khawaja.

Renshaw was included in the squad for 2 Tests against the West Indies as the possible long-term replacement for David Warner who retired during Australia’s previous home Test series against Pakistan. However, after thorough discussion within the Aussie management, Smith was given the heads up to face the new ball while Cameron Green got slotted into the middle order.

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Therefore, it was important for the home team management to release Matt Renshaw and allow him to take part for the Brisbane Heat in the business end of the 2023/24 BBL season. The Southpaw’s departure meant that Australia were without a backup for Khawaja who had to be forced off from the field on Day 3 after one of Shamar Joseph’s deliveries struck his helmet.

Although Khawaja’s removal did not cost that much as Australia were chasing down the easiest of totals – 26 but did raise a few questions on their decision to release a backup left-hand batter who can play in the same position as Khawaja.

“We consider the risk when we release players and I think it’s about 0.5% chance in terms of a concussion happening. So it was ironic that the first time we’ve let a player go back during the Big Bash that there was a head knock. Fortunately enough the game was in a position where we thought that it wasn’t going to be a higher risk than necessary. So we were happy for Renners (Renshaw) to go back and perform for the Heat.” – Andrew McDonald sad after the match.

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Khawaja Awaiting Results For Second Concussion Scan But Matt Renshaw To Remain Out

After Usman Khawaja was taken off the field, he was sent for round 1 scans for the concussion he suffered and the reports stated that he hasn’t endured any damage to his jaw. He is currently awaiting to go through another scan on Saturday and his situation will be looked after closely.

Despite this situation, Australia are set to be without Matt Renshaw or any other additional batter in case Khawaja’s condition worsens. Andrew McDonald confirmed that it all depends on Usman Khawaja’s results from the scans and claimed that Matt Renshaw’s exclusion from the Aussie squad will benefit the Brisbane Heat in their bid to reach the final.

“I think the information that comes from Uzzy [Khawaja] will then dictate how that sort of unfolds. I suppose the positive for the Brisbane Heat is that the final now will be on the east coast somewhere which makes it probably time-friendly to be able to potentially play the final.” – McDonald concluded.

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