Australia’s in-form batsman David Warner has been declared fit to play the boxing day Test match against New Zealand after an injury scare. The southpaw batsman was hit on the left thumb while practicing in the nets on Monday (23 December). However, Australia’s head coach Justin Langer has confirmed that Warner is fine and he will open the innings for the hosts.
Warner completed Monday’s training after strapping was done on his left hand. The left-hander has been in sublime form and he would like to continue his good form going in the second Test match against New Zealand which will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26.
Warner is in fine form.
“He’s fine,” Australia coach Langer said. “There was a little concern for about two seconds and then he saw the doctor and he’s hitting balls again. We know how well he’s playing at the moment, we know how much all the boys love playing Test cricket and Boxing Day cricket … so he’ll be ready to go.”
Meanwhile, David Warner received throwdowns from Australia’s batting coach Graeme Hick and spin consultant Sridharan Sriram. Warner had scored an unbeaten knock of 335 runs against Pakistan in the second Test.
A team official has revealed that Warner is just icing his hand and doesn’t seem to be in any serious danger at the moment. Might even bat later today though not confirmed #ausvnz @cricbuzz #relief https://t.co/12ScKip8mk
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) December 23, 2019
“It’s not unusual for Davey to do that,” Langer said.
“He’s in really good nick, he’s a very experienced player now, he knows how to prepare. As I said, I’ve got absolutely no worries that he’ll be raring to go.”
Australia had won the first Test match by a gargantuan margin of 296 runs. The hosts would aim to continue their domination against New Zealand. On the other hand, Warner scored 43 and 19 runs in the first Test match against the Kiwis and looked in good touch in the first innings.
Warner has got an impressive record while playing in the Australian conditions and he would like to deliver the goods in the second Test.