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Australia’s left-handed opening batsman, Usman Khawaja, has been given the all-clear to participate in the second Test against the West Indies at The Gabba on January 25. This comes after Khawaja successfully passed all concussion protocols following an incident in the series opener at Adelaide.
During the match at Adelaide Oval, where Australia secured a ten-wicket victory over the West Indies, Khawaja faced a short ball from debutant fast-bowler Shamar Joseph that struck his helmet. Consequently, Khawaja had to retire hurt, with just one run needed for the win.
Cricket Australia released a statement confirming Khawaja’s readiness, stating, “Usman Khawaja has been cleared to play the second NRMA Insurance Test match against the West Indies in Brisbane. Khawaja was assessed again today and has no symptoms of delayed concussion. He will train at the Gabba tomorrow.”
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With Khawaja’s return, Australia is likely to field an unchanged playing eleven, aiming to clinch the series 2-0. This development also means that reserve batter Matthew Renshaw will be available for Brisbane Heat’s Challenger match against Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL) on Monday.
If the Heat advances to the BBL final scheduled for Wednesday against the Sydney Sixers, Renshaw could potentially feature in the title clash, which begins just a day before the Brisbane Test kicks off. A victory in Brisbane would extend Australia’s winning streak to 5-0 in their international home summer, having previously defeated Pakistan 3-0.
–IANS
