Usman Khawaja Set too Miss the Sheffield Shield Tie against Tasmania

Queensland will miss the service of their regular skipper, Usman Khawaja when they resume their Sheffield Shield campaign. Queensland will take on Tasmania from February 8 at the Gabba.

The 31-year-old Khawaja sustained an injury during the recently concluded Big Bash League (BBL). Adelaide Strikers won the tournament for the first time beating Melbourne Renegades by 25 runs.

Khawaja admitted he didn’t want to take a risk with South Africa looming ahead.

“I’m about 85 percent there, but there’s a chance I could aggravate it again and with the (South Africa) tour coming up. Everyone felt it was best to err on the side of caution,” Khawaja said earlier today.

Queensland is currently second on the table with 21 points while New South Wales is leading the chart with 24 points.

“It’s disappointing because it’s an important match for us, but I’ve plenty of confidence in the boys to get on with things,” Khawaja added.

Yorkshire all-rounder Charlie Hemphrey has been named as the replacement for Khawaja.

Khawaja returned to form in the last Ashes Test against England scoring 171 runs in Sydney. He also showed good form in the BBL for Sydney Thunders.

Australia will require him to be in good touch in South Africa which starts in March.

Australia will play four Tests in South Africa, starting from March 1 at Kingsmead, Durban.

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