Perth, Nov 15 (IANS) Top-order batsman Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of Australia’s next two Test matches against New Zealand and the West Indies due to a hamstring injury.
The Islamabad-born cricketer suffered the injury while fielding on the second day’s play of the second Test against New Zealand at the WACA here on Saturday.
“Usman suffered a left hamstring injury in the field yesterday afternoon and underwent scans here this morning. The scans have indicated a moderate hamstring muscle strain which means it is likely he will be unavailable for the next two Test matches in Adelaide and Hobart,” Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist David Beakley said on Sunday.
Khawaja will remain with the squad here before heading home to Queensland to continue his rehabilitation.
Australia will play New Zealand in one more Test, starting November 27, at the Adelaide Oval. This will be the first ever day-night Test with a pink ball being used.
After that, the West Indies will tour Australia to play three Test matches December 10 onwards with the first match at Hobart. Left-handed Khawaja is likely to be available for the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which will start on Boxing Day.