India vs Australia: ‘I’m hoping I can get through this’ – David Warner ‘nervous’ about groin injury

Australia opener David Warner is nowhere near his actual self in the ongoing Test match in Sydney. One can easily see his explosive energy on the field missing and it is the groin injury nagging him even after six long weeks. Warner picked up the injury during the ODI series and is yet to fully recover from it. The injury meant his fielding capacity is restricted and he was visible discomfort while batting in the first innings.

Warner, who was rushed into the side for the Sydney Test, concedes that he is still nervous about the injury. The southpaw stresses that the intensity of the game compared to fitness tests has him wary about his fitness.

“I am (nervous) and I was. It might have been a bit of different circumstances if we were 2-0 up,” Warner told SEN. “When you’re doing a fitness test at training, it’s quite easy to get through that. But once you’re out there it is a different intensity … playing the actual game live is where you get nervous. I’m trying to sprint as hard as I can. It might look like I’m on a treadmill but it’s quite difficult, I’m hoping I can get through this.“

His temperament is awesome

In a bid to answer their injury woes, the hosts took to the field in Sydney with a new set of openers. The Pink Test saw 22-year-old Will Pucovski debut alongside Warner. The Victoria lad scored a brilliant 62 in his first-ever innings rewarding the side’s faith in him. Warner is mighty impressed with his new opening partner although the duo is yet to have a good, long opening stand.

“He looks like he’s at home,” Warner said. “He’s obviously scored a lot of runs in Shield cricket. His temperament is awesome … he’s got a bright future ahead.“

Pucovski’s sparkling Test debut against India has been soured after he was sent to scans to look at an injured right shoulder. Pucovski was hurt after diving for a ball at mid-wicket during the second session of the final day of the third Test at the SCG. With only three days gap between the ongoing Test and the final one in Brisbane, both openers will now be looking to get in good shape as the series hangs in the balance.

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