IND vs AUS: David Warner Ruled Out of 1st Test, Targets Boxing Day Return
In a major blow for the hosts, seasoned opener David Warner confirmed on Wednesday he would not be available for the Test series opener. Warner suffered a groin injury during the 2nd ODI and was ruled out of the remainder of the limited-overs series.
Australia’s star opener David Warner has been ruled out of the first Test against India and will target a return for the second Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Wednesday.
Warner is recovering from a strained adductor muscle that forced him to limp out of Australia’s second one-day international against India last month, after a knock of 83.
“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,” Warner said in a statement.
“The injury feels a lot better, but I need to be able to satisfy in my own mind and to my teammates that it is 100 per cent ready for test match conditions.
“That includes running between the wickets and being agile in the field. Right now I feel I am short of being able to play at peak fitness and another 10 days will make a difference.”
David Warner’s absence will be a major blow for the hosts as he is kind of player who gives a solid start to his side.
It seems that things are not in the favour of team Australia. Will Pucovski, who was considered as a replacement of David Warner also got hurt during the tour match against India A on Tuesday after being struck in the helmet by a bouncer.
Joe Burns, Warner’s opening partner in the last home summer, has also been in dire form and scored a total of four runs from his two innings against India A in the tour match in Sydney.
The first Test will begin in Adelaide on December 17, with further Tests in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
