Usman Khawaja is set to play the Gabba Test against the West Indies after Cricket Australia cleared the opening batter of any delayed concussion symptoms.
On Friday morning, the 37-year-old copped a sickening blow to the jaw after ducking into a bouncer from West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph during the final moments of the series opener at Adelaide Oval, which Australia won by ten wickets.
Khawaja retired hurt for 9 after consulting a team medic on the field, putting him in doubt for the second Test in Brisbane, which gets underway on Thursday.
“Thanks for all the well wishes,” Khawaja, who was cleared of a fractured jaw after undergoing precautionary scans, later posted to Instagram.
“I’m fine, just wanted Marnus to have a hit.”
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On Monday afternoon, CA confirmed Khawaja would be available for the upcoming day-night Test against the West Indies 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.”
Australia looks set to name an unchanged side for the Gabba Test, while Heat batter Matthew Renshaw, who was poised to replace Khawaja in the starting XI if required, might now be cleared to play Wednesday evening’s Big Bash League final against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG if the Brisbane-based franchise qualifies.
Renshaw has already been cleared to play Monday evening’s BBL Challenger against the Adelaide Strikers at the Gold Coast’s Carrara Stadium, which is scheduled to get underway at 7.40pm AEDT.
Australia has already retained the Frank Worrell Trophy after taking an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
