AUS v WI: Usman Khawaja cleared of jaw fracture after nasty Shamar Joseph bouncer, doubtful for 2nd Test

AUS v WI: Usman Khawaja cleared of jaw fracture after nasty Shamar Joseph bouncer, doubtful for 2nd Test

Cricket Australia confirmed on Friday that Usman Khawaja escaped a fractured jaw after getting hit on the helmet by a pacey bouncer from West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph on Day 3 of the 1st Test between the two teams at the Adelaide Oval. Usman Khawaja was spitting blood as the Australian opener took his eyes off the ball and failed to sway away from the line of a bouncer that struck his helmet.

Australia were asked to chase just 26 runs after Josh Hazlewood’s masterclass with the ball Friday morning. When the scorers were level, Usman Khawaja retired hurt as he was unable to continue after copping the blow on his helmet. It looked nasty as the Australian opener needed the physio’s attention before leaving the field, feeling his upper jaw and cheekbone. | AUS vs WI, 1st Test Scorecard |

Usman Khawaja was sent to hospital for scans even as Marnus Labuschagne hit the winning runs, helping Australia take a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series.

WHAT DOES THE HOSPITAL REPORT SAY

Cricket Australia said in a statement that Usman Khawaja will be monitored for delayed concussion, which is a norm in sports after head injuries. The board also said that he did not show signs of concussion when he was assessed immediately after the knock to the helmet.

“Usman Khawaja has been cleared of a fractured jaw and will be monitored for any delayed concussion symptoms leading into the second NRMA Insurance Test match against the West Indies in Brisbane,” a Cricket Australia statement said.

“Khawaja was not diagnosed with a concussion on his initial post-match assessment today,” it added.

WILL USMAN KHAWAJA PLAY THE 2ND TEST?

Australia are set to wait and watch as the opener will be monitored over the next few days. Australia wrapped the opening Test inside the first 3 days, allowing them the weekend break. The second Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 25 to 29.

Australia captain Pat Cummins gave a positive update, saying Khawaja seemed okay after the knock while stressing that he would be monitored over the next few days.

“He seemed OK, just a little bit of a sore jaw,” Cummins said.

Notably, Mathew Renshaw was picked as the reserve opener for the first Test, but he was released to play in the Big Bash League. The left-handed batter came into the sheme of things after David Warner retired from Test cricket after the Sydney win over Pakistan earlier in the month.

Steve Smith took over as the new Test opener and Usman Khawaja’s partner for the series against the West Indies. Smith was dismissed cheaply in the first innings by debutant pacer Shamar Joseph, but he remained unbeaten on 11 when Australia chased down the modest total on Friday.

Also Read | AUS vs WI: Josh Hazlewood lauds Shamar Joseph for ‘dream debut’ in Adelaide Test