Big Blow to Australia Test squad

Australian opener David Warner has been ruled out of the first Test against India at Adelaide. The left handed batsman was taken to hospital midway through the second ODI against India at Sydney Cricket Ground after awkwardly landing while fielding. It was later confirmed that he is suffering from adductor muscle injury which ruled him out of the remainder of white ball series.

Warner was expected to recover in time for the first Test to be held on December 17 at Adelaide, but that was not the case. The dashing opener is now expected to be back in time for the Boxing Day Test.

This comes as a blow to the Australian team which now has only Joe Burns as a confirmed opener following a concussion scare to the 21 year old Will Pucovski during the tour match between Australia A and Indians.

Legendary Aussie cricketer Allan Border opined Marcus Harris could be one of the opening options to go for while he didn’t shy off suggesting a left handed batsman choice in 37 year old Shaun Marsh.

David Warner has scored 7244 runs for Australia in the longer format at a very impressive average of 48.94. Warner also has a top notch record in Day-Night Tests as he recorded his career highest 335* under lights. He averages nearly 60 in day-night Test matches.

Australia coach Justin Langer was optimistic about the availability of the left handed star opener for the Boxing Day Test.

“I feel I have made great progress in a short amount of time and it’s best for me to stay here in Sydney to continue working on getting back to full fitness. The injury feels a lot better, but I need to be able to satisfy in my own mind and to my team-mates that it is 100 per cent ready for Test match conditions.
_{– David Warner}