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Usman Khawaja continues to clear his concussion
protocol after taking a blow to the head just before the game in Adelaide, so
he is expected to be eligible for the second Test against the West Indies in
Brisbane.
With just one run required to win, Shamar Joseph’s
short ball struck Khawaja on the side of his helmet, forcing him to retire
hurt. He did not exhibit any symptoms during the weekend and passed the initial
concussion assessment in the dressing room.
In advance of the Gabba Test, he is scheduled to
resume training on Tuesday during Australia’s main session.
“He completed normal concussion assessments today
[Sunday],” a CA spokesperson said. “Khawaja will continue to be
monitored for any delayed symptoms. He will be reviewed again tomorrow prior to
returning to training.”
Australia will probably stick with their lineup for
the second Test as they try to win the series 2-0 because of Khawaja’s
improvement. The team’s backup batter, Matt Renshaw, is expected to be
available for Monday’s Challenger final between Brisbane Heat and Adelaide
Strikers. If Heat advance, he might also be permitted to play in Wednesday’s
championship game against the Sydney Sixers, which is played on the eve of the
Test.
After all three of the Tests against Pakistan ended in
four days, the three frontline quicks are scheduled to play their fifth Test of
the season together. The opening match will take place in Adelaide in less than
two days.
“At the start of the summer I didn’t think it was
going to be the case,” captain Pat Cummins said. “But it’s shaping up
that way which is a huge nod to the fitness of the guys and the medical team
and a couple of helpful wickets.”
With two Tests to come against New Zealand from late
February there’s a chance they could play seven consecutive matches together as
an attack. The three quicks are being rested from the ODI series against West
Indies early next month but some could feature in the T20Is which follow.