Khawaja suffers injury setback

PERTH, Australia: Emerging Australian batsman Usman Khawaja will be sidelined for at least two Tests by a hamstring injury.

The 28-year- old strained his left hamstring in the field on the second day of the third Test against New Zealand at the Waca Ground.

Cricket Australia officials said scans revealed a muscle strain which would sideline him for the third Test against the Kiwis in Adelaide, and the first Test against the West Indies in Hobart.

Khawaja is targeting a return in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG against the West Indies, starting on December 26.

“Usman suffered a left hamstring injury in the field yesterday afternoon and underwent scans in Perth this morning,” said Cricket Australia physiotherapist David Beakley.

“The scans have indicated a moderate hamstring muscle strain, which means it is likely he will be unavailable for the next two Commonwealth Bank Test matches in Adelaide and Hobart.”

Khawaja scored centuries in each of the first two Tests against the Kiwis and was looking to cement his place at number three.

His absence will open the door for a number of players, including experienced left- hander Shaun Marsh and uncapped West Australian opener Cameron Bancroft.

Khawaja was recalled to the Australian side for the first Test against New Zealand at the Gabba, having missed most of the last Australian season with a serious knee injury.

Having previously played just nine Tests since debuting against England in Sydney in 2011, he posted his maiden Test century in Brisbane, making 174 batting at number three.

Khawaja followed up with 121 in the Australian first innings in Perth.— AFP