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Usman Khawaja sent to hospital in frightening World Cup scare

Usman Khawaja has avoided serious injury after being struck by an Andre Russell delivery in Australia's seven-wicket win over the West Indies in a World Cup practice match in Southampton.

Khawaja was forced off the field early in his innings on Wednesday, after being hit by a ball that reared up off a length and caught him under the grill on his helmet.

The Australian was immediately surrounded by the West Indies fielders and his former Sydney Thunder teammate Russell, before being led from the field by team doctor Richard Saw.

Subsequent hospital scans luckily failed to show any serious injury to the 32-year-old.

Usman Khawaja was struck in the jaw. Image: Cricket Network/Getty
Usman Khawaja was struck in the jaw. Image: Cricket Network/Getty

The Queensland batsman has been in imperious form in the series wins against India and Pakistan and the news is a huge relief for the world champions, who open their campaign against Afghanistan on June 1.

"It was very scary," said batsman Shaun Marsh, who scored an unbeaten 55 and is vying with Khawaja for a starting spot when Australia's face Afghanistan.

"It copped him on the side of the cheekbone ... the main thing is he is OK and can bounce back pretty quickly.

"He was a bit shaken, as you are when you get hit on the head, but he is a tough cookie Uzzy and he'll be ready to go."

Usman Khawaja walks off. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Usman Khawaja walks off. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Khawaja was preferred at the top of the order to David Warner, who batted at three, for the warm-up match.

Smith continues fine form

Steve Smith is close to being back to his brilliant best after the former skipper scored 76 in Australia's seven-wicket win.

Smith and Marsh (55 not out) put on 109 for the third wicket in the unofficial practice match.

Smith hit seven fours and two sixes from 82 balls before falling to the spin of Carlos Brathwaite, but it was his third successive half-century on the back of the two he chalked up in the recent practice matches against New Zealand.

The 29-year-old looked at ease against a lively West Indies pace attack in what is a hugely encouraging sign for the world champions, who face England in an official warm-up game on Saturday.

"He has gone fantastically since he come back in," Marsh said.

"It's good to see him score some runs, No doubt he's ready for a big tournament.

"He has come back and scored some runs ... just like he always does."

Steve Smith in action. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Steve Smith in action. (Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images)

Marsh looked equally comfortable at the crease and continued from where he left off 12 months ago when he scored two centuries in the ODI series against England.

The West Australian hit the winning runs as Aaron Finch's side eased to their target of 230 with 11.4 overs to spare and said he feels comfortable batting in English conditions.

"It gives you confidence knowing you have scored runs over here in the past," he said.

"It's just nice to spend some time out in the middle and get my feet moving.

"It's a different challenge to back home as it swings around a bit, but it's good challenge.