Australia opener Usman Khawaja is uncertain for the second Test against the West Indies in Brisbane after suffering a jaw injury in the first Test in Adelaide. Khawaja was hit by a bouncer from debutant Shamar Joseph when Australia needed just one run to seal the match. He retired hurt and was taken to hospital for scans.
Khawaja was spitting blood as he walked off the field, holding his jaw and cheekbone. He received medical attention from the team physio and doctor before leaving the ground. Cricket Australia later confirmed that Khawaja had passed a concussion test and had no fracture in his jaw. However, he will be monitored for any delayed concussion symptoms leading up to the second Test, which starts on January 25.
Cricket Australia said in a statement: “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. Khawaja was not diagnosed with a concussion on his initial post-match assessment today.”
Khawaja will have to pass another concussion test in 24 hours to be cleared for the second Test. If he fails, he will be ruled out and replaced by Matt Renshaw, who is on standby in the squad.
Khawaja’s injury overshadows Australia’s dominant win
Khawaja’s injury was the only sour note for Australia in an otherwise dominant performance against the West Indies in the first Test. Australia won by 10 wickets inside three days, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Australia bowled out the West Indies for 195 and 213, with Josh Hazlewood taking a career-best 7 for 37 in the second innings. Australia made 383 in their first innings, with Steve Smith scoring 131 and Travis Head 96.
Australia needed just 26 runs to win in their second innings, and Khawaja and David Warner had taken them to 25 without loss when the incident happened. Khawaja was on 11 when he was struck by a vicious bouncer from Joseph, who was playing his first Test. Marnus Labuschagne came in as a concussion substitute and hit the winning run off his second ball.
Australia captain Pat Cummins praised Khawaja for his courage and hoped he would recover soon. Cummins said: “He’s a tough cookie, Usman. He was in a bit of pain, obviously, but he was cracking a few jokes in the change room. Fingers crossed he’ll be OK. He’s been playing beautifully, so hopefully he’ll be right for Brisbane.”
West Indies face uphill task to bounce back
The West Indies, on the other hand, face an uphill task to bounce back from the heavy defeat and level the series in Brisbane. The visitors were outplayed in all departments by the world champions, who extended their unbeaten run in Tests to 15 matches. The West Indies batsmen failed to cope with the pace and bounce of the Australian bowlers, while their bowlers lacked penetration and consistency.
The West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite admitted that his team was outclassed and needed to improve in all areas. Brathwaite said: “We have to be honest with ourselves and say we didn’t bat well and we didn’t bowl well. We have to regroup and come back stronger. We have to show some fight and some character. We know we can play better than this.”
The West Indies will also have to deal with some injury concerns of their own. Fast bowler Kemar Roach, who missed the first Test due to a hamstring strain, is doubtful for the second Test as well. Spinner Rahkeem Cornwall, who took three wickets in the first innings, injured his finger while fielding and did not bowl in the second innings. The West Indies may have to make some changes to their bowling attack for the second Test.
The second Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 25 to 29. The West Indies have not won a Test in Australia since 1997, and have lost their last six Tests at the Gabba by an innings.
