ZCZC
BSP-04
CRICKET-AUS-IND
Australia’s Warner ruled out of first India Test
SYDNEY, Dec 9, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Australia’s star opening batsman David
Warner has been ruled out of the first Test against India, but will try to
return for the second instalment on Boxing Day, Cricket Australia said
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 team-mates that it is 100 percent ready for Test match
conditions.”
The first Test will begin in Adelaide on December 17.
It is not yet clear who will take Warner’s place, but Cameron Green’s
recent century for Australia A against a strong India XI attack has put him
in the running.
In contrast, fellow young prospect Will Pucovski and veteran Joe Burns, in
line to form Australia’s top order, both flopped in the warm-up match and
Pucovski also had to leave the field after a delivery struck his helmet.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0843 hrs