After facing an embarrassing eight-wickets defeat in MCG, Australia is desperate to win the third Test against India and thus, they are looking to play David Warner even if he is 100% match fit. Australia’s assistant coach Andrew McDonald said the same, stating that even if he’s 90-95% fit, they will want him to play in Sydney.
David Warner, who sustained a groin injury in the second ODI during the fielding, was named in the 18-member squad while Joe Burns was dropped. He has been seen in nets practising but running a bit in between the wickets.
Andrew McDonald has revealed that they are considering to keep David Warner in the playing XI for the much-awaited third Test.
“That’s a real, clear option. He may not be 100 per cent fit — who is coming off an injury? You never know until you get out there,” Andrew McDonald said during a virtual press conference as quoted by Reuters.
He added that they would have a conversation with the southpaw about his fitness level to play the extended format.
“Look, if he’s 90-95% fit and the conversation is that he’s fit enough to be able to go out there and perform his duties for the team, then I’m sure that’ll be a conversation the coach has with the player,” he added.
“Most times Justin (Langer) is pretty open with the players in terms of giving them accountability around that,” McDonald said.
David Warner optimistic to return:
McDonald also stated that the left-hand batsman is optimistic about his return and is really excited to be back with the squad.
“He’s (Warner) very optimistic that he should be ready to go, which is great news for us. We are really excited to have him back,” McDonald said.
“I’m sure that he’s excited to come back into the group as well. There’s nothing worse than being injured when you are at the top of your game as David has been over a period of time.” he added.
Talking about the young gun Will Pucovski, who has also been named in the squad for the third Test, McDonald said that the opening batsman, who suffered a ninth concussion, will be put under some tests before making himself available for the selection.
“He will be put through tests whatever it needs to be put through to make himself available for selection to potentially open the batting. So it’s good to have a little bit of depth out there.” McDonald said.
The third Test will begin on January 7 in Sydney, where the new strain of coronavirus has been found.