Will Usman Khawaja play in the 2nd Test vs West Indies?

Last Updated on 10 hours by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Will Usman Khawaja play in the 2nd Test vs West Indies? | Usman Khawaja injury update after being struck on jaw

Australia opening batsman Usman Khawaja will continue to be assessed after he was cleared of a fractured jaw in the aftermath of his team’s comfortable, ten-wicket win in the first Test against West Indies. With just one run required to complete the simple 26-run chase, Khawaja was struck on the jaw by a Shamar Joseph bouncer as he attemped to sway out of the way.

The veteran had blood coming from his mouth, but thankfully he has been cleared of structural damage. However, Khawaja will be monitored for any delayed concussion symptoms after passing an initial test. Should the opener develop any, he will likely miss the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting Thursday, January 25.

Matt Renshaw set to come in if Usman Khawaja is ruled out of the 2nd Test against West Indies

Khawaja took to social media to share an update. He was his typical, witty self. “Thanks for all the well wishes, I’m fine, just wanted Marnus to have a hit!” he wrote.

Fellow left-hander Matt Renshaw was selected as the backup opener after Steve Smith was picked as David Warner’s replacement. If Khawaja is ruled out, Renshaw will slot in for what will be his first Test as Australian opener since 2018.

Renshaw has been in decent red-ball form in the past two seasons. Earlier this summer, he scored a patient 136* off 337 in the tour match against Pakistan in Canberra. However, his Sheffield Shield average of 31.63 in six matches this season is something the selectors will hope he improves on if he does take the field for the second Test.

In terms of the series, Australia look classes above the inexperienced West Indies. They completed the ten-wicket win shortly before lunch on the third day after dismissing the tourists for just 120 in the second innings.

Josh Hazlewood took 5/35 to follow his 4/41 in the first innings. Earlier, man of the match Travis Head’s 119 helped Australia to a healthy lead of 95 on a challenging Adelaide pitch.

The second Test will be a day/night encounter in Brisbane. It will run across the Australia Day long weekend, so there should be good crowds once again after an excellent turnout in Adelaide.