Usman Khawaja passed fit to play Gabba Test, Travis Head 'pretty close' despite positive COVID-19 result
UPDATED: Usman Khawaja has been passed fit by Cricket Australia's medical team to play the final Test of the summer in Brisbane while Travis Head is likely to play despite a positive COVID-19 test.
Khawaja was struck in the head by a West Indies bouncer during Friday's short run chase in Adelaide.
They were somewhat distressing scenes as Khawaja spat blood from his mouth as he was forced to retire hurt.
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He was considered in serious doubt for the Gabba match, starting Thursday, but on Monday was cleared of lingering concussion symptoms.
He looks certain to now walk to the crease alongside new opening partner Steve Smith in Brisbane.
Usman Khawaja leaves the field after he was struck by a bouncer. Getty
Despite the near certainty around Khawaja's selection, Australia were looking like they'd have to make one change after Head tested positive for COVID-19 at the weekend.
The No.5 batter's illness comes after he starred in Australia's first Test win over the Windies, named man of the match for a blistering first-innings century.
Head will reportedly fly to Brisbane on Tuesday and remain away from other squad members if he's still positive.
Travis Head is likely to play the second Test despite a positive COVID-19 test. Getty
Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed that if he still tests positive on Thursday he will be able to play the match under COVID-19 protocols
"He's almost out of it, he's fine, feeling good, he'll be fine, I think he'll train tonight," Cummins said on Tuesday morning.
"Even if he's still positive he can still play, there might just be a few protocols but I think he's pretty close to a negative."
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Those protocols include him being unable to sit with or celebrate with teammates during the match, as happened with Matthew Renshaw in Sydney last summer.
Ironically if Head opts to sit out the match it is likely Renshaw who will be called in to replace him.
Renshaw is expected to play the BBL final on Wednesday night, but is in the Test squad as the reserve batter.
