MELBOURNE – Australia opener Usman Khawaja looks increasingly likely to play this week’s second Test against the West Indies in Brisbane after completing concussion protocols on Sunday.
The 37-year-old batsman went off injured in the last few overs of Australia’s storming 10-wicket win in the first Test on Friday after being hit on the helmet by a Shamar Joseph delivery.
“Usman Khawaja continues to progress through the protocols following his head impact in the first Test match against the West Indies. He completed a normal concussion assessment today,” the team said in a statement.
“Khawaja will continue to be monitored for any delayed symptoms. He will be re-assessed tomorrow before returning to training ahead of the second Test match in Brisbane.”
Australia will have to find a new starter for the second time in the series if Khawaja is unable to play when the second day-night Test begins on Thursday.
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Steve Smith moved up the order to replace David Warner when the veteran opener withdrew from the format in the wake of the 3-0 series in Pakistan around New Year.
With no further positional switch, Matt Renshaw looks most likely to open in Brisbane if Khawaja misses out.
