Ashes 2019 | Expect Usman Khawaja to be fully fit for first Test in Birmingham, says Tim Paine
Tim Paine believes that Usman Khawaja, who picked up a hamstring injury during the World Cup, will gain 100% fitness for the first Test against England in Birmingham. While other 24 players are participating in the practice game, Khawaja will be the only squad member not to be a part.
Khawaja picked up a hamstring injury during Australia's last league game against South Africa which subsequently ruled him out of the tournament. Keeping an eye on the extent of the injury, Cricket Australia and the team management decided to rest him for the practice game between two Aussie teams. However, Paine expects him to be fit for the first Test in Birmingham, starting on August 1.
"I don't think he's in serious doubt (of missing the first Ashes Test)," cricket.com.au quoted Paine as saying in Southampton. He's in a rehab stage so the decision has been made that he won't play at this stage,” Paine told Cricket.com.au.
However, Paine has added that there is a possibility that Khawaja might turn up for the backend of the practice game if someone gets injured but in all probability, he will be available for selection.
“There is a possibility, maybe, if something were to happen to someone else he might be right for the back end of the game. But we expect him to be fully fit and available for selection for the first Test," the Aussie skipper added.
The first Test of the series starts on August 1 in Birmingham as the visitors will try to retain the urn.