Usman Khawaja injury update arrives from Cricket Australia ahead of 2nd Test vs West Indies

Usman Khawaja is set to play the second Test against West Indies after Cricket Australia cleared him of any delayed concussion symptoms. The Australia opener’s participation in the second AUS vs WI Test at the Gabba looked highly doubtful after he suffered a sickening blow on his jaw during the first Test at the Adelaide Oval. The incident took place in the seventh over of Australia’s second innings when they were just 1 run short of the win.

Usman Khawaja was facing debutant Shamar Joseph when he suffered the blow. Joseph bowled a well-direct short ball and the left-handed batsman took his eyes off the ball. The ball rose sharply, missed the helmet grill, and hit the star batsman on his chin. He took off his helmet straightaway before spitting blood. He also decided against taking any risk and retired hurt for 9.

Usman Khawaja gets the green light:

Usman Khawaja has got the green light to play in the second and final Test of the summer. The match is scheduled to get underway on Thursday (January 25). On Monday (January 22), Cricket Australia announced that the opener would be available for the upcoming day-night Test against after passing his latest concussion test.

“Khawaja was assessed again today and has no symptoms of delayed concussion,” CA said in a statement. “He will train at the Gabba tomorrow.”

With Usman Khawaja fit, Australia are set to take the field with the same playing eleven that registered a thumping 10-wicket victory in just over two days against West Indies in the first Test. The hosts bowled out the visitors for just 188 runs in the first innings.

In reply, they were reeling at 129 for 5 at one stage before a fine century from Travis Head helped them score 283 and take a handy lead of 95 runs. In the second innings, West Indies were bowled out for a modest total of 120 runs with Josh Hazlewood claiming 4 wickets.

Set a target of 26 runs, Australia crossed the finishing line with ease to register their fourth win in a row in the ongoing season. Before winning the first Test against the Caribbean outfit, the Pat Cummins-led side cleanly swept the three-match series against Pakistan.