Khawaja aiming for Boxing Day return

Cricket365
November 18, 2015

Australia batsman Usman Khawaja is aiming to return to the side for the Boxing Day Test against the West Indies at the MCG, and feels he can start training soon after his hamstring injury.

Khawaja pulled up while fielding in the second Test against New Zealand in Perth, and has been ruled out of the series, as well as the first Test against the Windies on 10 December.

While he wants to get back on the park, considering his excellent form with the bat, he also hopes to heal properly to avoid yet another similar injury, one he's suffered more than once this year.

Khawaja said on Sunday night: "I got a scan this morning and it was pretty good. I might even have a really tiny little trot tomorrow if I can.

"When I found out the news I think most of the support staff and everyone else is saying Boxing Day (Test in Melbourne being the likely return date) and if everything goes to plan I'll be flying by then.

"I'd like to play the first Test starting against the Windies but at the same time I've got to assess how my hamstring pulls up, how I'm recovering, how things are going and I need to nip it in the bud and make sure I'm not trying to come back too early and then it happens again.

"Because that’s good for no-one."

Khawaja's replacement for the third Test in Adelaide has not been announced, but it's set to be either Shaun Marsh or uncapped Cameron Bancroft, with Michael Klinger's name also being bandied about.