ADELAIDE, Australia, CMC – Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been cleared of serious injury after being struck by debutant West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph on the final day of the Adelaide Test.
The left-hander copped a fearsome blow to the chin with scores level as Australia chased a meager 26 for victory to eventually win by ten wickets before lunch on the third day.
Khawaja was forced off in distress after spitting blood and being attended to by medical personnel on the field, but subsequent scans revealed no fractures or breaks.
While he also passed a concussion test, he was scheduled to be tested again to determine his fitness for the Gabba Test bowling on Thursday.
“He seems okay but will be monitored,” Australia captain Pat Cummins said.
If Khawaja is ruled out, Matthew Renshaw is expected to be the likely replacement, the 27-year-old left-hander being picked as part of the squad for the opening Test.
Despite the heavy loss for West Indies, Joseph impressed throughout the Test, finishing with five wickets in the first innings to spearhead the Caribbean side’s attack.
Among Joseph’s scalps was that of master batsman Steve Smith, who was dismissed with the 24-year-old’s first delivery in international cricket.
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