Aus vs WI 2023-24 – Usman Khawaja on the right track for Gabba after Adelaide head blow
Usman Khawaja has been cleared to play the second Take a look at towards West Indies in Brisbane having handed all his concussion protocols following the blow to the pinnacle shortly earlier than the tip of the sport in Adelaide.
Khawaja was struck on the facet of helmet by a brief ball from Shamar Joseph and retired harm with one run wanted for victory. He handed the preliminary concussion evaluation within the dressing room and has continued to not present any signs over the weekend, getting the all-clear from a closing check on Monday.
He’ll to return to coaching on Tuesday throughout Australia’s fundamental session forward of the Gabba Take a look at.
“Khawaja was assessed once more at the moment and has no signs of delayed concussion,” a CA spokesperson stated.
Khawaja’s progress means Australia are set to stay unchanged for the second Take a look at as they give the impression of being to wrap up the collection 2-0. Matt Renshaw is the spare batter within the squad and has been made out there for Brisbane Warmth’s Challenger closing towards Adelaide Strikers on Monday. He might also be allowed to function within the closing towards Sydney Sixers on Wednesday, the eve of the Take a look at, if Warmth make it via.
The three frontline quicks are set to play their fifth Take a look at of the season along with the opening match in Adelaide having taken little greater than two days, following all three Exams towards Pakistan ending in 4.
Alongside Nathan Lyon, it is going to be the primary time since 2013-14 towards England that Australia can have gone via a house Take a look at summer season of at the very least 5 matches with an unchanged assault when Lyon was additionally a part of the group alongside Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle.
“At first of the summer season I did not suppose it was going to be the case,” captain Pat Cummins stated. “Nevertheless it’s shaping up that means which is a large nod to the health of the fellows and the medical workforce and a few useful wickets.”
With Josh Hazlewood having handed 250 Take a look at wickets in Adelaide, all 4 of the frontline bowlers now have that tally – the primary assault in historical past to realize the feat.
With two Exams to return towards New Zealand from late February there’s an opportunity they may play seven consecutive matches collectively as an assault. The three quicks are being rested from the ODI collection towards West Indies early subsequent month however some may function within the T20Is which comply with.
Scott Boland has been with the Take a look at squad all through the season (though was launched to play video games for Melbourne Stars) whereas uncapped fast Lance Morris would even be near a call-up if a substitute was wanted. He was a part of the squad early within the Pakistan collection earlier than being left to play for Perth Scorchers the place he took 13 wickets at 19.00 in 9 matches.
“It is superior travelling with the Aussie guys however nothing replicates taking part in cricket,” Morris stated forward of the Knockout closing the place Scorchers’ marketing campaign ended towards Adelaide Strikers.
“[I’ve been] placing a number of issues into observe – having the bravery to take it out within the center was robust, however I made a acutely aware effort to strive a number of various things and develop my recreation this 12 months. It is one thing you may solely get with expertise.
“When the stress is on and also you’re in entrance of a giant crowd, that you must fall again on to your strengths and it solely comes via taking part in numerous cricket.”
Morris is in line for his ODI debut towards West Indies within the three-match collection whereas each he and Boland prone to be included within the Take a look at squad to tour New Zealand.
