David Warner to Miss Second Test Against India

Batsman still injured

David Warner in action for Australia

Opening batsman David Warner has been ruled out of Australia's second Test against India, which will start at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26 December 2020.

Warner is still sidelined by a groin injury sustained during the ODI series against the Indians last month.

Fast bowler Sean Abbott is also unavailable for the second Test as well.

“Warner and Abbott will rejoin the Australian men's Test squad ahead of the third Test against India,” read a statement from Cricket Australia.

What Cricket Australia Said

“Warner and Abbott spent time in Sydney outside the team's bio-secure hub to recover from injury. While neither player has been in a specific ‘hotspot' as outlined by New South Wales Health, Cricket Australia‘s bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test.

“Warner has not fully recovered from a groin injury suffered in the ODI series against India and would not have been available for the second Test match, while Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A's tour match against India and would have been available for selection for the Boxing Day Test.

“The pair travelled from Sydney to Melbourne to continue their rehabilitation given the changing public health situation in Sydney at the time. No additional players will be added to the squad for the Boxing Day Test.”

Australia have an early series lead after winning the first Test in Adelaide by eight wickets, inside three days. They will likely retain the same XI for the fixture at the MCG.

No Kohli and Shami for India

India will be without captain Virat Kohli for the remainder of the series. He has returned home. Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane will lead the XI in Kohli's absence.

The tourists will also be without fast bowler Mohammed Shami. He has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to an arm injury. He was struck by a short ball from fast bowler Pat Cummins while batting in Adelaide.

The third Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Brisbane is scheduled to host the fourth and final fixture.

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