Travis Head expected to play despite Covid diagnosis: Usman Khawaja cleared of concussion

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has ticked all the required boxes to be declared fit for Brisbane, but his teammate Travis Head will enter Covid protocols.

Travis Head is still expected to face the West Indies in the second Test despite contracting Covid-19 in recent days.

The left-hander’s arrival in Brisbane was pushed back as he recovered after testing positive, meaning he missed an optional session on Monday, but he is on antivirals and due to train on Tuesday evening ahead of the start of the Test on Thursday.

It means Australia is set to go in unchanged for the second Test after Usman Khawaja passed his latest concussion test on Monday.

The Australian opener had been tested repeatedly after being forced to retire hurt last Friday during the first Test in Adelaide having copped a bouncer to the jaw from West Indies paceman Shamar Joseph.

But Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that the veteran had been given the green light to train at the Gabba on Tuesday and in turn play against the Windies.

It is likely to mean spare batter Matt Renshaw is cleared to play for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League final on Wednesday night, should his side qualify.

The Aussies have made just one change to their Test XI all summer, with Cameron Green replacing David Warner after the Sydney Test as part of the top order reshuffle that sent Steve Smith to the opener’s spot.

Even if Head is still testing positive, he could still play as long as he sits away from teammates as Renshaw did in Sydney last year.

The Aussies have made just one change to their Test XI all summer, with Cameron Green replacing David Warner after the Sydney Test as part of the top order reshuffle that sent Steve Smith to the opener’s spot.

KHAWAJA CLEARED FOR BRISBANE TEST

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 19: Usman Khawaja of Australia leaves the field retiring hurtafter he was struck while batting during day three of the Mens Test match series between Australia and West Indies at Adelaide Oval on January 19, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Usman Khawaja is expected to return to the nets on Tuesday night at the Gabba with the opener on track to face the West Indies in the second Test despite his nasty blow in Adelaide.

The Australian opener had been tested repeatedly after being forced to retire hurt last Friday during the first Test in Adelaide having copped a bouncer to the jaw from West Indies paceman Shamar Joseph.

But Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that the veteran had been given the green light to train at the Gabba on Tuesday and in turn play in the second Test, which begins on Thursday in Brisbane.

It is likely to mean spare batter Matt Renshaw is cleared to play for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League final on Wednesday night, should his side qualify.

The news comes after Khawaja was continued to clear concussion tests after retiring hurt when struck on the jaw by Windies paceman Shamar Joseph with one run needed to win on Friday.

Scans earlier confirmed the opener having also dodged a fracture.

Khawaja meanwhile announced on Monday that he was auctioning off the famous shoes he wore in the nets ahead of the Perth Test last month to raise funds for children in Gaza.

He was banned by the ICC from donning the shoes - which featured humanitarian slogans in the Palestinian colours of red, green and black - in the Test series against Pakistan as part of a weeks-long saga over supposed political messaging in international cricket.

“Hey everyone,” Khawaja posted on Instagram.

“Want to announce I’m auctioning off my shoes! It ends 12th February. All proceeds will go to ‘Unicef Children of Gaza’ appeal. The kids need your help now more then ever and as always thank you for your support and generosity. All you guys have been amazing 🙏🏾❤️.”

Joseph, who starred for the Windies on debut, was lauded by former Australian quick Mitchell Johnson in his weekly column in the Sunday Times.

“What I loved about Joseph was his clear enjoyment of Test cricket and the passion he has for the game. He showed that young players coming through still want to earn the baggy maroon and the right to play for their country,” Johnson wrote.

Usman Khawaja leaves the field after being hit in the head. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“His interview after day one was just great to listen to, hearing the passion and joy he brought to playing for his country and how he wanted to be a part of what seems to be a very committed group of professional cricketers.”

Johnson was optimistic Joseph would forge a strong Test career despite the lure of Twenty20 riches.

“For Joseph to come in on debut – after none of the development opportunities he would have received from a young age if he was Australian – and take five wickets against the best team in the world shows that the raw talent is still there.

“I don’t think you can ward off the lucrative appeal of T20 competitions around the world as every cricketer has their own path.

“But players playing for their country need to be looked after financially if Test cricket is to survive and thrive.”

Originally published as Travis Head expected to play despite Covid diagnosis: Usman Khawaja cleared of concussion