Usman Khwaja suffers meniscal tear, likely to miss start of India series

Skipper Tim Paine had said before the start of play on the fourth day that it was very unlikely that Khawaja would bat

In a huge blow to Australia, opener Usman Khawaja suffered a meniscal tear which kept him away from the field on day three of the ongoing 2^nd Test against. According to several media reports, his injury is severe which may require surgery.

Khawaja picked up the injury during a throwing drill, ahead of Thursday’s play. As a result, he couldn’t open the Aussie inning and was replaced by Shaun Marsh in the opening slot. However, he failed to provide a good start as he was dismissed by Mir Hamza after scoring just four runs; Finch and Travis Head saw Australia through to stumps at 47/1.

As reported by the Australian media, Khwaja went for the scan on Thursday evening. The medical reports stated that “although he has not re-torn his anterior cruciate ligament, he has suffered a meniscal tear”.

Skipper Tim Paine had said before the start of play on the fourth day that it was very unlikely that Khawaja would bat. And now, he is doubtful to play the initial leg of the home series against India, which begins in Adelaide on December 6.

Khawaja remained the star in Australia’s heroics in the first Test in Dubai. While chasing a 462-run target, they were 87/3 when Khawaja, having opened the innings and played a superb knock of 141 runs to save the game.