Usman Khawaja ruled out of 2nd Test vs West Indies? CA drops update

Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja is expected to be available for the second and final Test against the West Indies in Brisbane. Usman Khawaja will continue to be monitored by the medical team after successfully completing normal concussion assessments.

Usman Khawaja suffered a blow to his jaw from a delivery by debutant Windies pacer Shamar Joseph during Australia’s second innings in the series opener. The left-handed batter walked off the field despite being just one run away from victory in Adelaide on Friday.

Australia Beat West Indies By 10 Wickets In Series Opener

The left-handed batter scored 45 runs off 11 balls in the first innings as Australia posted a total of 283/10 in response to the West Indies’ 188. The visitors were dismissed for 120 in the second innings, and Australia chased down the target of 26 in the first session of Day 3.

Khawaja was at a score of nine runs when he faced the unfortunate incident. Marnus Labuschagne replaced him and took a single off his second delivery. The Pat Cummins-led team secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over the Windies in the first Test match.

The 37-year-old successfully cleared the initial concussion assessment in the dressing room and has remained symptom-free throughout the weekend. He is set to resume training on Tuesday during Australia’s main session in preparation for the upcoming Gabba Test.

Usman Khawaja Completed Normal Concussion Assessments – CA Spokesperson

A Cricket Australia (CA) spokesperson stated that Usman Khawaja successfully underwent regular concussion assessments on Sunday. The spokesperson mentioned that he is scheduled for a further review before resuming training on the following day.

“He completed normal concussion assessments today [Sunday]. Khawaja will continue to be monitored for any delayed symptoms. He will be reviewed again tomorrow prior to returning to training,” a CA spokesperson said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Australia will maintain the same playing XI for the second Test. Matt Renshaw, the backup batter, is set to play in the Brisbane Heat’s Challenger final on Monday. He might be permitted to play if the Heat advance to the final against the Sydney Sixers on Wednesday.

Huge Not To The Fitness Of The Guys – Pat Cummins

Captain Pat Cummins expressed delight at Australia fielding an unchanged pace attack, including the three frontline quicks, for the fifth Test of the summer. Cummins credited the team’s fitness, medical support, and favorable pitch conditions for this consistent lineup.

“At the start of the summer, I didn’t think it was going to be the case. But it’s shaping up that way which is a huge nod to the fitness of the guys and the medical team and a couple of helpful wickets,” Pat Cummins said.

Australia’s three frontline fast bowlers are poised to feature in their fifth Test of the season. This marks a notable achievement, as the last time Australia had an unchanged attack for a home Test summer of at least five matches was in 2013-14 against England.

Also read: AUS vs WI: ‘It Can Become A Circus’ – AB de Villiers On Usman Khawaja’s Black Armband Case