Australia are forced to make at least one change for the upcoming fourth Ashes Test in Sydney. Aussie batsman Travis Head had earlier tested positive for Covid-19 after the third Test in Melbourne and he is currently isolating in the same city.
Considering the precautionary measurements, Cricket Australia (CA) had to call three players- Mitchell Marsh, Nic Maddinson and Josh Inglis, into the squad as cover.
Australia captain Pat Cummins had earlier missed the second Test in Adelaide after being a close contact of a confirmed Covid-19 case.
Head becomes the first player to miss a Test in the Ashes series due to testing positive as Covid-19 closes in on the series.
Khawaja set to make a comeback
Usman Khawaja is at this stage almost certain to make a comeback into the national team and play in the longest format of the game for the first time since the Leeds Test against England in August 2019.
“It’s always nicer when you’re coming off games – I haven’t played for a month now – but it shouldn’t take too long hopefully, if I play and get out there, bat for half an hour and get into it, I should find that sync again,” Khawaja was quote while talking to cricket.com.au.
Although, Khawaja is aware of the fact that he could be left out after Sydney Test irrespective of how he performs at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Head available for the Hobart Test
Head is expected to be available for the Pink ball Test in Hobart.
“It’s one of those things where even if I do play, it’ll only be for one game … I understand that situation … hopefully I can go out there and score a hundred and do well for the team in the absence of ‘Heady’,” Khawaja added.
Khawaja made his Test debut for Australia against England at Sydney on January 3, in 2011.
The southpaw has scored 8 centuries and 14 half centuries in Test cricket. Khawaja scored 2887 runs in 44 Test matches at an average of 40.66.
The Aussies are scheduled to play the penultimate Test against England on January 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) while the final Test will start on January 14.
