MELBOURNE (Reuters) – David Warner may play third test against India even as he lacks full fitness as Australia look to veteran opener to top order assistant coach Andrew McDonald said Thursday.
Warner was ruled out of the first two trials in Adelaide and Melbourne after tearing an adductor muscle, but was included in the 18-man squad for the game at Sydney Cricket Ground. starting on January 7th.
With opener Joe Burns down after a disappointing Melbourne test, Australia will have a new opening partnership as they look back from an eight-wicket loss and take a 2-1 lead in the series.
McDonald said getting a Warner pad if not entirely appropriate would be an “obvious choice” and a matter for player and head coach Justin Langer.
“It may not be 100%. Who comes from injuries? You’ll never know until you find out, “McDonald told reporters on Thursday.
“Look, if it’s 90-95% appropriate and the conversation is appropriate enough to go out there and fulfill his responsibilities to the team, I’m sure that will be the conversation that the coach to the player.
“Justin is usually very open with the players in terms of giving them accountability around that. ”
Undeveloped opener Will Pucovski was also included in the squad and McDonald realized that meant the youngster had cleared concussion protocols.
Pucovski, who has a history of decision-making problems, was taken out of the opening tests after being hit on the helmet by a bouncer in a round robin game.
McDonald said he would join the squad when they return to training in Melbourne from January 2nd.
“The only question now is what training and how fast he can pick up to be available for selection,” he said.
Matthew Wade was inspired to open by Burns in the first two tries and started firmly in three of his four innings without knocking a half-century.
McDonald praised Wade’s performance as a mobile opener but said he felt he was in the best position in the middle order.
Reporting by Ian Ransom; Edited by Peter Rutherford