Luckless batsman Usman Khawaja says he is shattered by his latest injury setback, but reckons he'll by flying by the time the Boxing Day Test rolls around.
Khawaja will miss Australia's next two Tests after re-injuring his left hamstring while chasing a ball on Saturday during the second Test against New Zealand at the WACA Ground.
His injury has opened the door for Shaun Marsh, Cameron Bancroft or Michael Klinger to play in the day-night Test against NZ later this month in Adelaide, as well as the first Test against the West Indies starting on December 10.
Khawaja was in the form of his life before his hamstring gave way, cracking centuries against NZ in Brisbane and Perth.
The 28-year-old, who missed most of last summer because of a serious knee injury, said he was confident he would be fit to return for the Boxing Day Test against the West Indies.
"I woke up and (the) hamstring feels pretty good - better than what I expected, to be honest," Khawaja said.
"I might even have a really tiny little trot tomorrow (Monday) if I can.
"When I found out the news (of the positive scan), most of the support staff and everyone else is saying Boxing Day (I can return).
"If everything goes to plan, I'll be flying by then."
Bancroft's chances of earning a Test debut were dealt a blow on Sunday when he was dismissed for four during Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria at the MCG.
In contrast, Marsh posted a solid 64 from 108 deliveries before falling to spinner Fawad Ahmed, while Klinger made 70 from 140 balls.
Khawaja said his hamstring felt tight during the first Test at the Gabba, but he was feeling good right before he tweaked it in Perth.
"I was really disappointing when it happened because I just started enjoying Test cricket," Khawaja said.
"Hopefully, I can be ready to come back soon."
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