CWC 2019: David Warner declared fit for Afghanistan clash

David Warner set to play an international match for Australia after over 14 months.

Aaron Finch confirmed David Warner's availability for the game | Getty Images

David Warner has overcome a glute strain to be declared fit for Australia's opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 against Afghanistan in Bristol on Saturday (June 1).

Australian captain, Aaron Finch confirmed the news to reporters on Friday (May 31) in his press conference ahead of the clash. He said, "Davey's fine, he'll play tomorrow. In terms of the XI, we'll wait until the toss to name it."

Finch also hinted that he will renew his opening partnership with Warner, while one of Usman Khawaja or Shaun Marsh is expected to bat at three. "Dave and I have had a great partnership over the years. That was a pretty key part of our 2015 World Cup win," he said.

Warner along with former captain Steve Smith make their first international appearance for Australia since the infamous ball tampering saga in South Africa. The duo have played in T20 leagues around the world since then, and featured in few warm-up games for the country after serving the one-year suspension.

It is expected that 5-time winners Australia will be too strong in the day/night clash for Afghanistan, who always play with a lot of fighting spirit but the quality of the defending champions might prove to be too much for the team playing in only their second World Cup.

Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

(With inputs from cricket.com.au)

 
 

By Saurabh Malhotra - 31 May, 2019

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