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Usman Khawaja Doubtful For Pink-Ball Test After Being Struck By Nasty Bouncer

image-lrk3ispzKhawaja getting assisted after being hit by Joseph (AP Photo)

One of Australia's most prolific run-getters in the past year or so, opener Usman Khawaja could miss the upcoming Pink-Ball Test next week against West Indies after being hit by a nasty bouncer on Day 3 of the Adelaide encounter.

Khawaja copped a nasty blow from West Indies debutant Shamar Joseph, who bowled a bumper ball, which hit the Australian batter on the jaw just minutes before lunch on Day 3, forcing the player to retire hurt.

Needing just one to win, Khawaja ducked against the short ball, which unfortunately did not rise as anticipated and struck the opener, who after medical examination walked off the ground immediately.


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As reported by The Age, Cricket Australia (CA) policies state that if a player is diagnosed as having concussed, he/she is automatically ruled out of any match for the upcoming seven days. This could lead to Khawaja missing his hometown Test in Brisbane on January 25.

The 37-year-old managed to score 45 and 9 across both innings of the first Test.

Khawaja if deemed unavailable for the day/night Test, could see Matthew Renshaw return into the playing XI, who was Australia's designated 13th man for the Adelaide tie, which the hosts won quite comfortably by 10 wickets.

CA might opt to announce a replacement player for Khawaja and rope in out-of-favour opener Cameron Bancroft for the upcoming match. 

Meanwhile, CA have sent Khawaja for further scans, despite clearing the first concussion test and will be again examined prior to the start of upcoming Test.