Australia head coach Justin Langer said opening batsman David Warner is doing everything he can to recover from his injury but isn't yet a sure starter for the third Test of the series against India.
Warner remains in rehab for the groin strain he picked up at the start of the summer. Australia's first-choice opener couldn't take part in the first two Tests versus the Indians and is also in doubt for the next one, beginning January 7.
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“As we’ve said for the last few weeks, there’s no one more professional and he’s doing everything possible,” Langer told host broadcaster Channel 7.
“We saw him bat the day before the game. He’s batting again (in the nets) this afternoon here at the MCG. So in terms of his batting, he’s flying."
“It’s just …. he’s still having some trouble with his groin, and we know how dynamic he is, his running between the wickets, the way his movement is all the time."
“We still have a few more days until the next Test match. Fingers crossed he’s ready to go.”
If Warner is fit, the team dealing with batting issues will obviously welcome him back with open arms. But his return will also leave coach Langer and skipper Tim Paine with a selection headache involving interim openers Joe Burns and Matthew Wade.
It remains unclear, who will be making way for Warner when he is back. Burns and Wade have had stands of 16 and 70 in Adelaide, and 10 in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test.
Burns scored an unbeaten fifty to close out the first Test for Australia but Wade has overall looked more assured at the crease. He could continue unless back-up opener Will Pucovski is also available after recovering from concussion scare and the uncapped young man partners at the top with Warner.
(Inputs from Reuters)