Usman Khawaja Suffers Nasty Blow in Australia’s Dominant Win Against West Indies

Australia claimed a resounding victory against West Indies in the first Test at Adelaide Oval, securing a ten-wicket win. The dominant performance saw the Aussies bundling out West Indies for 120, setting a modest target of 26 runs for victory. While chasing the small total, Australian openers Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja showcased a steady partnership, contributing 25 runs in six overs. Khawaja, known for his resilience, played a vital role in steering Australia towards the required target.

Brutal Blow to Khawaja

The victory was not without its challenges. In the seventh over, debutant Shamar Joseph delivered a vicious bouncer, hitting Khawaja on the chin. The impact was severe, leading Khawaja to take off his helmet and show signs of distress. Despite scoring 9 runs off 20 balls, Khawaja faced a challenging blow that forced him to retire hurt. Following the nasty blow, the physio rushed to attend to Khawaja, who had visible signs of blood. The 37-year-old opener decided to retire hurt, allowing Marnus Labuschagne to step in and hit the winning runs for Australia.

Cricket Australia (CA) provided an update on Khawaja’s condition, stating that he passed an initial concussion test in the dressing room. Subsequently, he underwent scans to assess any potential structural damage to his jaw, which returned clear. Australia captain Pat Cummins addressed Khawaja’s situation in the post-match press conference, mentioning that the batter has a sore jaw. Cummins expressed optimism, stating, “He seems okay. It’s a little bit of a sore jaw. So yeah, [we’ll] monitor it but he seems okay.”

Potential Impact on Second Test

Khawaja’s availability for the second Test in Brisbane, scheduled from January 25, hinges on the results of another concussion test on January 20. Delayed concussion remains a concern, and if Khawaja fails the test, he may undergo a protocol period of five to eight days, affecting his selection for the upcoming Test. Australia faced challenges beyond Khawaja’s injury, as they were without a replacement batter on Day 3. Matt Renshaw, the potential replacement, had flown to Queensland for a BBL Qualifier, leaving Australia without immediate backup.