Warner out of first Test against India

Batsman still nursing groin injury

David Warner in action for Australia

Opening batsman David Warner has been ruled out of Australia's first Test against India at the Adelaide Oval this month.

Warner will remain sidelined by the groin strain sustained during the recent T20I series against India.

“I feel I have made great progress in a short amount of time and it's best for me to stay here in Sydney to continue working on getting back to full fitness,” said Warner.

“The injury feels a lot better, but I need to be able to satisfy in my own mind and to my team-mates that it is 100 percent ready for Test match conditions.

“That includes running between the wickets and being agile in the field. Right now I feel I am short of being able to play at peak fitness and another 10 days will make a difference.”

Langer Backs Warner for Prompt Return

Head coach Justin Langer is confident Warner will regain full fitness for the second Test, which will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in late December 2020.

“If there is one guy you know will go well above and beyond that's Dave,” added Langer.

“He has done an incredible job to get to where he is today and we hope to have a fully fit David at his absolute best in Melbourne.”

Attention Turns to Burns

Focus, meanwhile, is on batsman Joe Burns, all-rounder Cameron Green, leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson and fast bowler Sean Abbott's participation in Australia A's fixture against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground this week.

Burns, Green, Swepson and Abbott are also in Australia's extended squad for the four-Test series against the Indians.

“Joe, Cameron, Sean and Mitchell will derive great benefit from playing high-quality cricket against the pink ball in the final tour match,” concluded national selector Trevor Hohns.

“All have enjoyed excellent preparation for the Test series and the national selection panel believes a final hit-out against India's bowlers under lights will round it out nicely.”

Kohli Done After First Test

India will be captained by batsman Virat Kohli in the first Test. He will then leave the tour on paternity leave. A replacement captain for the remaining three matches has not yet been named.

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