The wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade, who played the last two Test against India as an opener, expects David Warner to be playing in the third Test scheduled on Sunday. The regular opener was ruled out of the two Tests after sustaining a groin injury in the second ODI while fielding.
David Warner is claimed to be not fully fit but Australia’s team management is firm to play him in the all-important Sydney Test. They are desperate to play the southpaw due to the humiliating defeat in the second Test which has levelled the series with 1-1.
Although Will Pucovski is in the squad, the youngster has still not been given clearance over his ninth concussion which he sustained during the warm-up game ahead of the start of the Test series.
With the third Test important for Australia, they are likely to go with Warner. And, Matthew Wade has also echoed similar sentiments.
The wicketkeeper-batsman said that Warner was likely to play but he was not sure whether he will be his opening partner or not.
“We expect David to play, so it’ll either be me opening with him or they’ll make a change,” Wade said on Sunday. “I’m not sure it’ll be me and Will.”
I’ll give myself a good chance: Matthew Wade
Matthew Wade first time played as the opener in the Test in the ongoing Test series. He has showcased aggressive batting like Warner, who also likes to take on the bowlers irrespective of the formats.
The gloveman said that he would not take a backseat after the inclusion of the explosive Warner. He added that playing an attacking game puts Indian bowlers under pressure.
“I’ll give myself a good chance. We all know what Davey does, he’s a dangerous player at the top of the order and they are hard to come by – guys that average 50 and strike at what Davey does,” Wade said.
“There’s been a lot of talk around the strike rate, but standing in the field India have been under pressure with our bowlers for a long period as well. That’s tough, hard Test cricket, it’s not easy to score,” Matthew Wade added
Meanwhile, India made a great comeback in MCG, bowling Australia all out for 200 runs in the first innings while winning the match by eight wickets.