Usman Khawaja Cleared to Play in Second Test After Concussion Scare

Usman Khawaja Cleared to Play in Second Test After Concussion Scare

VoM News Desk | January 23, 2024 | 04:37 PM IST | Cricket, Sports | Follow on Google News

Usman Khawaja Cleared to Play in Second Test After Concussion Scare/X@usmankhawaja

Usman Khawaja Cleared to Play in Second Test After Concussion Scare

Australia’s star opener, Usman Khawaja, has been given the green light to participate in the second Test against West Indies in Brisbane following a concussion scare. Khawaja suffered a blow to his helmet during the first Test in Adelaide while trying to negotiate a bouncer from West Indies pacer Shamar Joseph. The impact drew blood, and Khawaja underwent initial concussion testing.

Concussion Protocols Passed, Khawaja Returns to Training

Despite spitting blood and expressing discomfort in the upper jaw and cheekbone area, Khawaja passed the initial concussion test. Cricket Australia confirmed that he underwent further assessment, showing no symptoms of delayed concussion. As a result, Khawaja is set to return to training at the Gabba ahead of the second Test.

Probable Return in Unchanged Playing XI

With Khawaja likely to feature in the second Test, Australia is expected to field the same playing XI. Matthew Renshaw is unlikely to make it to the playing 11. The pace attack will comprise Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood, marking their first Test together this season. In the first Test, Hazlewood reached the milestone of 250 wickets in red-ball cricket for Australia, making the pace trio the first-ever bowling attack to achieve this collective tally.

The return of Australia’s formidable pace trio adds depth to their bowling lineup, creating anticipation for their upcoming series against New Zealand. All three pacers had been rested for the ODI series against West Indies and are likely to make a strong comeback in the two-match Test series against New Zealand.

VoM News Desk

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