After opening batsman David Warner walked out of practice session due to the ‘stiff neck’ on Tuesday which further saw injury cloud thickened as Shaun Marsh, who won the much-talked number six spot struggled with the stiff back during a net session ahead of the Magellan Ashes 2017-18 season opener which is scheduled on November 23 in Brisbane.
Pertinently, the left-handed batsman, who has been in contention for over a month amassed runs at his will first in the JLT One-day Cup followed by Sheffield Shield four-day after representing his brother led Western Australia in the first three rounds of the tournament.
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However, on the other side, unimpressive Glenn Maxwell has been roped in as a cover for the 31-year-old Warner, who pulled sore after completing the skier during Australia’s fielding drill at Gabba.
The 27-year-old Maxwell was representing Victoria in the six-team Shield tournament where he did not score enough to impress the Cricket Australia’s national selectors.
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As it’s become the massive concern for Australian skipper Steven Smith after off-spinner Nathan Lyon sent the message to England camp while warning them about facing the wrath of Australian bowlers.
As the Australian management is yet to take the decision regarding Warner, Smith on the other side is hopeful that his deputy would open the innings even after struggling after nursing the neck issue.
The 34-year-old Marsh was working on his batting to come good in the first Test when he complained about the back problem.
In the first instance, it does not look that much of a serious scare in the Australian camp as the only batsman in the form of all-rounder has flown to Brisbane.
Interestingly, it is more sort of a distraction for the hosts when two players nursed injuries with Ashes less than 24 hours away to kick off on the Australian soil.
Following the back stiff, the Buppa Support team is observing the Western Australia-based batsman who has proved his selection after some spending performances in the domestic set-up under the leadership of his younger brother Mitchell Marsh, who has also undergone intensive rehabilitation after undergoing major shoulder surgery early this year.
So much son, hobbled by back injury in the past, Marsh was also ruled out of the ninth edition (2016) of widely-acclaimed Indian Premier League (IPL) which further dates back to 2011 when he returned home from South Africa during the Test tour after stiff back.
Moreover, Warner was also examined by team doctor Richard Shaw which further saw Australian physiotherapist Peter Beakley treating by left-handed batsman.
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As the Ashes opener will unfold many events it would be interesting to see how both professional would approach for the first game if they recovered in time.