Australian opener David Warner has been ruled out of the first Test against India at Adelaide Oval.
Key points:
- David Warner hopes to be fit for the second Test against India on Boxing Day
- Warner said he could not play at peak fitness in Adelaide
- Selectors are now sweating on the fitness of Will Pucovski and form of Joe Burns at the top of the order
Cricket Australia confirmed that Warner, who suffered an adductor muscle injury during the second ODI at the SCG, would remain in Sydney to continue his treatment.
The first Test is due to get underway on December 17.
“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 via 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 per cent ready for Test match conditions.
“Right now I feel I am short of being able to play at peak fitness and another 10 days will make a difference.”
Australia coach Justin Langer hopes Warner to be fit to return for the second Test on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
“He has done an incredible job to get to where he is today and we hope to have a fully fit David Warner at his absolute best in Melbourne,” Langer said.
With Warner ruled out, Langer will now be sweating on the fitness of young gun Will Pucovski, after he suffered a concussion in the first tour match with India in Sydney yesterday.
Pucovski was in line to make his debut, and was looking comfortable on 23 before a rising bouncer from Kartik Tyagi felled him.
The Victorian young-gun was able to leave the field unassisted, but looked groggy.
He has suffered eight concussions previously, and has now just nine days to recover before the Adelaide Test.
Langer also has a potential issue with Joe Burns, who has struggled with poor form this year.
The Queensland batsman has passed 11 just once in seven innings this summer, with his average sitting at 8.71.