Australia strolled to a 10-wicket win inside three days during their opening Test match against the West Indies, however the victory may have come at a cost with Usman Khawaja in doubt for the day/night game in Brisbane.
The opener copped a heavy blow to the jaw while trying to see out the win with the Queenslander struck in the face after failing to avoid a bouncer from debutant Shamar Joseph.
Cricket Australia provide update on Usman Khawaja injury
Australia needed just one more run to win when the incident occurred with play stopped as medics attended to the 37-year-old out in the middle.
MORE: Predicted XIs, team news for second game of series between Australia and West Indies
Khawaja was pictured spitting blood from his mouth before he retired hurt with Marnus Labuschagne entering into the fray and hitting the winning run moments later.
Khawaja left the field looking in discomfort and constantly feeling at his jaw as he was sent for scans to check for possible damage.
"He seemed okay, just a little bit of a sore jaw," Pat Cummins said post-match.
"We’ll monitor it, but he seemed okay," the skipper added.
Uzzie cops a tough one on the chin 🤯
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After Australia wrapped up the win before lunch on day three, the team have enjoyed an extended break before their final Test of the Aussie summer at The Gabba.
The match starts on Thursday, January 25, with Cricket Australia now releasing a statement revealing Khwaja's condition.
"Usman Khawaja has been cleared of a fractured jaw and will be monitored for any delayed concussion symptoms leading into the second NRMA Insurance Test match against the West Indies," the statement noted.
"Khawaja was not diagnosed with concussion on his initial post-match assessment."
This means the batter won't be automatically ruled out under CA guidelines that stipulate a player will be unavailable for seven days if they are diagnosed with concussion.
Matt Renshaw in line to replace Khawaja if opener is ruled out of second Test
The battle to replace the recently retired David Warner dominated the headlines leading into the series opener against the West Indies.
The likes of Cameron Bancroft and Marcus Harris were tossed up as potential candidates before Steve Smith successfully lobbied for the role.
Smith got the nod to open alongside Khawaja with allrounder Cameron Green recalled into the side at No.4.
Although the Aussies may now be forced to field a brand-new partnership at the top of the order with Matt Renshaw included in the 13-man squad and ready to step in should Khawaja be ruled out.
"Ultimately, we are trying to pick our best six batters," selector George Bailey said last week.
"At the moment, as it stands, we see Matthew Renshaw as the next best."