Australia's opening batsman Joe Burns is set to play the second Test against India starting Boxing Day (December 26) in Melbourne after being declared injury-free. 

Burns had been struck on his elbow while facing Indian ace quick Jasprit Bumrah in the first Test in Adelaide and was sent for scans amid fears that he might have suffered a broken arm. 

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But the right-hand batsman, who rejuvenated himself with a fine knock of 51 not out to steer Australia home at the end, received a further boost as he overcame scare of a serious injury. 

Another of Australia's first-choice opening batsman, experienced David Warner, however, is in a race against time to recover from a groin strain which he picked up at the start of the home summer. 

If fit, though, Warner will walk straight into the team as the left-hander was rushed to Melbourne on Saturday (December 19) from Sydney, before the state of Victoria closed its borders with New South Wales following the COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.

In Warner's absence, Australia had Matthew Wade opening the innings at the Adelaide Oval after another candidate Will Pucovski was ruled out due to concussion scares. 

Unfortunately for the young batsman, the wait for a debut is set to continue as he will also miss out on the next Test. 

Struck on his helmet while batting in the pre-series warm-up game, this is the ninth instance of Pucovski going down with concussion and so, Cricket Australia (CA) and the team management are taking extensive care. 

(Inputs from AP)