February 21, 2024
David Warner has been ruled out of the final two tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to an elbow fracture. He will fly home to Sydney to recover, but he is expected to come back for the 3-match ODI series starting towards the end of march.
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Warner suffered a hairline fracture in his left elbow after he got hit by Mohammed Siraj’s delivery in the first innings of the second test in Delhi. Two overs later, he was again got hit on the head by Siraj’s bouncer. He eventually fell by nicking the ball to keeper KS Bharat off Mohammed Shami’s Delivery. He later suffered delayed concussion symptoms, and he got substituted by left-hander Matt Renshaw in the second Innings.
Now, His concussion symptoms have subsided, but his elbow was the main concern. Initial scans showed a minor hairline fracture. Australian team was hoping that he would be ready for the Indore test.
Out-of-form opening batsman himself was very keen to play the Indore test and contribute to the team fightback, but after further testing and a range of actions by team doctors, he was ruled out of the series. He will fly back home with his family.
No Replacement for David Warner
Australia are unlikely to ask for any replacement for warner, as explosive left hander Travis Head is likely to open with Usman Khawaja in the remainder of the series. Head opened in the second innings of the Delhi test and scored a quickfire 43 off 46 balls. He gave the attacking start to the visitors along with Marnus Labuschagne.
Reinforcement Comming for Aussie Camp
Cameron Green will be fit to play the Indore test after regaining full fitness. Green was very close to playing the second test, But the Australian team management chose not to rush his comeback. He faced the fast bowling in nets against Scott Bolland and Mitch Starc during second test. He will replace Matt Renshaw in playing eleven, who has struggled to play on these turning tracks. Green will bat at no.6, and his bowling will give them much needed 5th Bowling option.
Star left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc will also be available for selection. And Leg spinner Mitchell Swepson is also expected to rejoin the squad after traveling home for the birth of his child.
Josh Hazelwood ruled Out
Australia have already lost Josh Hazelwood from the tour. The senior pacer was expected to come back in the side after missing out on the first two tests due to Achilles tendonitis, has been ruled out of the entire series.
Patt Cummins flies home due to personal reasons.
Captain Pat Cummins has flown home to attend to some serious family illness immediately after the Delhi test. Although he is expected to come back for the third test in Indore, situation remains fluid.
Australia may release some of the squad members to play domestic cricket, a final decision will be made on Wednesday.
Touring team will definitely welcome a 10-day break till the next test as they try to recover and rejuvenate after a thumping loss in the second test. BGT action will resume at Indore’s Holkar Stadium on March 1.
