Usman Khawaja, the left-handed batsman and opener for Australia, is now in contention to open the second and final Test match against the West Indies, which is scheduled to begin on January 25 at the Gabba in Brisbane.

The 37-year-old was injured on Friday at Adelaide during the thrilling 10-wicket win over the West Indies and had to be retired following a Shamar Joseph delivery that struck him in the helmet, which forced the southpaw to get a medical checkup.

Advertisement

Spitting blood, Khawaja felt his cheekbones and upper jaw before heading out of the arena with medical personnel.

On Monday, the team declared in a statement that “Usman Khawaja has been cleared to play in the second Test match against the West Indies in Brisbane.” Additionally, the statement stated that “he will train at the Gabba on Tuesday.”

A Cricket Australia official further verified that Khawaja “was assessed again today and has no symptoms of delayed concussion.”

After Khawaj’s injury, Cricket Australia had to look for a replacement opener for the second time. Matthew Renshaw, the opener for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL), was most likely going to take Khawaja’s spot.

However, with Khawaja set to start, Renshaw is permitted to play again for the Brisbane Heats against the Sydney Sixers in the BBL 13 playoffs.

In preparation for the second Test, Australia will hold their primary training session in Brisbane on Tuesday.