Four-time World Champions Australia are sweating over the fitness of their opener David Warner as the left-handed batsman is dealing with leg soreness. The extent of soreness is not yet clear but the pain was enough to keep him out of Australia’s second warm-up match against Sri Lanka that took place last week. Australia will take a call on Warner’s availability soon.
The team does have two practice sessions ahead of its first World Cup 2019 match and a decision over Warner is expected to be taken then. Should he be able to prove his fitness during the sessions, Warner will be opening the innings while he could also be rested should he not be deemed fit.
If he plays against Afghanistan, it will be after a period of 14 months that Warner will play an international match – along with Steve Smith. The duo was banned for one year each by Cricket Australia last year. Their ban period ended in the month of March and they both were a part of IPL 2019.
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They also played the unofficial matches against New Zealand earlier this month. Smith played in both the warm-up matches recently while Warner missed the second one. Although Smith did not come out to bat during the second warm-up match but scalped a wicket in two overs that he bowled.
In no case, Australia would like to miss out on the services of Warner but they would also not want to risk Warner as each team plays nine matches and managing the fitness of players will be one of the things that team management will have to keep in mind.
Usman Khawaja will be opening the innings with Aaron Finch if Warner is not fit for the game while Warner will be at the top if he in the playing XI.
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Australia kick off their World Cup 2019 campaign against Afghanistan on June 1. Afghanistan stunned Pakistan in the first warm-up match, which should keep Australia on their toes.
The Kangaroos are the defending champions, having won the tournament in 2019 that was played in Australia and New Zealand. Warner, Smith, Aaron Finch and few other players were a part of Australia’s 2015 World Cup campaign as well.