Australia captain Tim Paine, on Wednesday put an end to speculations over star opener David Warner’s availability for the third Test in Sydney. Paine said that David Warner who missed the starting two Tests due to groin injury will be part of the playing eleven in the third Test, starting from Thursday.
At the same time, Paine also revealed that the team for the third Test is ready but it would be revealed later because of an optional training session for players going on at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) this morning. Paine hinted that there could be more than one change for the SCG encounter.
Joe Burns, who was not in the form in the last two Tests would be replaced by Will Pucovski. David Warner, on the other hand, could open with Pucovski. Matthew Wade could be shifted to the middle order which could lead to the benching of Travis Head.
“We’ve got a team but we’re just not releasing it at the moment,” Paine said in a media conference this morning.
“The boys are still training so we’ll get through that first, unscathed and then we’ll try to get a team out as quickly as we can after that.
“Obviously with David (Warner) playing and potentially more, there are some conversations that need to be had first. Davey’s been awesome, he brings really high intensity and fills guys with confidence around him,” Paine said of Warner’s return.
“He’s a player that you love having on your side. He’s always got plenty to say, really energetic, very professional and I’ve always loved playing.
“He’s a player in this team guys love to have in the side, so he’s made an instant impact with that energy and intensity that he brings.
“Will’s been fantastic as well.
“He’s been out of the bubble for a couple of weeks, so he’s excited, he’s fresh and he’s been batting really well in the nets and looks ready to go if he’s called upon,” Tim Paine said in a media conference this morning.
The 4-Match Test series is currently levelled at 1-1. The third Test between India and Australia will be played from January 07 in Sydney.