India vs Australia: ‘David Warner doubtful for the 1st Test,’ reckons head coach Justin Langer

India vs Australia: ‘David Warner doubtful for the 1st Test,’ reckons head coach Justin Langer

Justin Langer and David Warner

Justin Langer and David Warner

Australian star opener David Warner got out from the remaining limited-overs series after he picked a groin injury during the second ODI. The home team head coach Justin Langer does not expect Warner to be fit and available for the first Test as well. The Aussies are scheduled to play the opening Test match against India on December 17 at the Adelaide Oval.

“He’s strained his abductor in his groins, and they tell me it’s a very painful injury. It looked like he got shot by a gun. He was in incredible pain in the changerooms after,” Justin Langer told SEN’s Sportsday WA on Monday.

“I’m not holding my breath that he’ll be ready for the first Test match. But with that said, he’s the sort of elite professional who will be doing everything possible to be ready for it.

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“We’ll see what happens, but he’s going to be a loss that’s for sure.”

Burns-Pucovski might open in Warner’s absence

Joe Burns and Will Pucovski
Joe Burns and Will Pucovski

Langer reckoned that the team management is currently under no pressure for David Warner’s probable absence from the Tests. The former Australian cricketer hinted that Joe Burns might open with uncapped Will Pucovski in the inaugural five-day match to replace Warner.

Langer said it has taken “a bit of pressure off”.

“No wonder I’m a bit more relaxed. We’ve won a few games. I don’t have to worry about who we’re going to pick for the Test side,” Langer stated.

“I’ve said it so many times, the hardest part of the job is selecting the teams. But we’ve got an Australia ‘A’ game starting in a few days. It’ll be a good opportunity for those guys against the Indian ‘A’ side to put their hand up.

“We’ll work out who’s going to play in that game, and certainly there are huge opportunities for people to put their hand up.”

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