Justin Langer, the Australian head coach, said on Tuesday that David Warner is likely to compete in the third Test against India and assured that lack of four-day cricket for the opener in the last few months is not a concern.
Justin Langer also announced that young batsman Will Pucovski will make his Test debut on Thursday.
Justin Langer (Image Credit: Google)
Justin Langer: David Warner Is Very Determined To Play And Will Pucovski Cleared By Medical Staff
Both the duo missed the first two Tests of the series due to a groin injury sustained by David Warner and concussion-related issues sustained by Will Pucovski.
“Very hopeful that David will be ready to go (for the third Test), he is a bit of a warrior, isn’t he? I have said this since day one that he is doing everything possible to be ready,” Langer said at a virtual media conference.
“He is moving pretty well. He is very determined to play. He loves the competition and he loves playing Test cricket. We will get some final eyes on him at training this afternoon and we will make a discussion on that. But I would say, he (Warner) is looking very likely to play the Test match,” he added.
Will Pucovski- Photo Credit: AAP.
Justin Langer also announced that 22-year-old Will Pucovski, who was hit on the head during the warm-up game against India A, has been cleared to play.
“He has been cleared by all the medicos. He has been cleared and that will be very heartening for him and for his family and everyone involved in it,” Langer said.
Will Pucovski has played 23 first-class matches where he amassed 1744 runs averaging 54.5. He hit back to back double tons for Victoria against South and West Australia. He scored 1 and was batting on 23 against India in the warm-up game when he suffered a concussion.
Justin Langer: David Warner’s Experience Will Help Him But He Will Play With Pain In Tendon Area
Justin Langer sought to dismiss concerns that David Warner hasn’t played four-day cricket for about 12 months, saying the immense experience behind the opener will help him jump into traditional format undoubtedly.
“He has played a lot of white-ball cricket recently, a bit like Steve Smith. Davey hasn’t played any four-day cricket for about 12 months but he is a master of the game. He has played a lot of cricket, his experience will help him, no doubt about that,” said Langer.
David Warner (Image Credit: Twitter)
The coach said David Warner will field in the slips to help him save energy though he may feel some discomfort while fielding as he is going to play with pain in the tendon area.
“He is going to play with pain though and it is not so much in the muscle but in the tendon area. Like (a) lot of cricketers, who play through different levels of pain, he is willing to take that on and hopefully won’t hamper him too much,” he added.
David Warner had himself last Saturday said he was “highly doubtful” about attaining full fitness ahead of the 3rd Test, though he would abide by team management’s call.
However, Justin Langer assured that if the Australians felt that there was any risk of re-injuring David Warner, then the team would have certainly not rushed his return.
“He has had a good rehab, as I said he might be little restricted in the field, he might get that area little-bit fatigued, because he hasn’t played Test cricket for a while but we wouldn’t take that risk if we thought he would re-injure himself,” said Langer.
The four-match series is tied 1-1 with the hosts winning the Pink Ball opener in Adelaide while India emerged triumphant in Melbourne.
