Australian opener David Warner has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against New Zealand in Auckland due to an adductor injury. However, Warner is expected to recover in time for the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, starting on March 22.
Warner was already rested for the second T20I against the Black Caps as part of Australia's rotation strategy during the series. The estimated recovery time for his injury is around seven to ten days.
Unfortunately, missing the final match of the T20I series means Warner's bilateral career comes to an end, as he is set to retire from international cricket after the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in June. Warner scored 32 runs off 20 balls in the first T20I against the Black Caps.
Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement: “Warner will require a brief recovery period which is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League leading into to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand batter Devon Conway has been forced to withdraw from the final T20I against Australia due to an injury sustained during the second game on February 23. Tim Seifert has been called up as Conway's replacement for the final game to be played on February 25.
Conway suffered a thumb injury while keeping wickets and was unable to bat during New Zealand's chase, as the hosts were bundled out for 102 runs while chasing 175 runs and Australia took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the T20I series.
Conway will now head back to Wellington to consult a hand specialist and determine the severity of the injury. Notably, Tim Seifert, who was initially sidelined with a torn abductor, has passed a fitness test in Hamilton, and he will join the squad for the last T20I at Eden Park.
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
