Usman Khawaja Doubtful for Second Test After Blow to Jaw in Adelaide Opener
Australian opener Usman Khawaja is going through some treatment and his participation in the second Test against West Indies in Brisbane is in doubt after he sustained a blow to the jaw during the series opener in Adelaide.
Australia secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory inside seven sessions at Adelaide Oval, but Khawaja’s involvement in the match was cut short after he was struck on the helmet by a short ball from West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph.
The 37-year-old spat blood and appeared uncomfortable with his jaw before leaving the field. It was a horrible scene on the field but thankfully, the medical staff confirmed that he is okay despite the lusty blow.
While he passed an initial concussion test, Khawaja underwent scans and will be re-evaluated on Saturday. Team management remains cautious about his availability for the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, starting Thursday.
“He seemed okay, just a little bit of a sore jaw,” Australian captain Pat Cummins said. “We’ll monitor it, but he seemed okay.”
West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite echoed the concern, expressing well wishes for Khawaja’s recovery. “Unfortunate, he bit his tongue as well,” Brathwaite said. “Let’s hope he’s okay, no one wants to see a guy get injured playing this game that we love.”
Matthew Renshaw is likely to replace Usman Khawaja place at the top of the order in Brisbane if the veteran left-hander is unable to recover in time.
This would further test Australia’s new opening partnership, formed after David Warner’s retirement from Test cricket. Khawaja and Steve Smith, promoted from number four, opened the batting for the first time in Adelaide.
With the series evenly poised at 1-0, Khawaja’s potential absence would be a significant blow to Australia’s batting lineup. His experience and skill at the crease would be sorely missed, particularly in the challenging day-night conditions in Brisbane.
The next 24 hours will be crucial in determining Khawaja’s fate and who will partner Smith at the top of the order for the crucial second Test.
