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Khawaja avoids injury in Cup warm-up match

3 minute read

Usman Khawaja has escaped serious injury after being struck on the jaw in their World Cup warm-up match with the West Indies.

USMAN KHAWAJA of Australia celebrates after reaching his century during the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at SCG in Sydney, Australia.
USMAN KHAWAJA of Australia celebrates after reaching his century during the Fifth Test match in the 2017/18 Ashes Series between Australia and England at SCG in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Usman Khawaja has avoided serious injury after being struck by an Andre Russell delivery in Australia's seven-wicket win over the West Indies in Southampton.

Khawaja was forced off the field early in his innings in the World Cup warm-up match on Wednesday, after being hit by a ball that reared off a length and caught him under the grill on his helmet.

The Australian was immediately surrounded by the West Indies fielders and his former Sydney Thunder teammate Russell, before being led from the field by team doctor Richard Saw.

Subsequent hospital scans luckily failed to show any serious injury to the 32-year-old.

The Queensland batsman has been in imperious form in the series wins against India and Pakistan and the news is a huge relief for the world champions, who open their campaign against Afghanistan on June 1.

"It was very scary," said batsman Shaun Marsh, who scored an unbeaten 55 and is vying with Khawaja for a starting spot when Australia face Afghanistan.

"It copped him on the side of the cheekbone ... the main thing is he is OK and can bounce back pretty quickly.

"He was a bit shaken, as you are when you get hit on the head, but he is a tough cookie Uzzy and he'll be ready to go."

Khawaja was preferred at the top of the order to David Warner, who batted at three, for the warm-up match.

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