Talismanic opener David Warner could be forced to miss at least the first Test against India after suffering a groin injury during a fielding mishap at the SCG.
Warner was rushed off for scans during the second ODI after limping from the field and later to an awaiting van, suggesting he has done some serious damage.
Warner was stationed at mid-off on Sunday, when he appeared to tweak an adductor muscle while diving for a ball in the fourth over of India’s chase.
The star batsman was clearly bothered, yelling out in agony before a hand-up from Pat Cummins helped him stand.
Warner struggled to walk, with teammate Glenn Maxwell and physio David Beakley helping him take the first few steps from the middle before the 34-year-old limped down the race by himself.
“He seemed like he was in a bit of pain but hopefully scans come back and it’s not too bad, he can rest up and get himself right,” Maxwell said.
“It didn’t look good.”
The four-Test series between Australia and India begins on December 17, meaning any strain could put Warner in doubt for the day-night series opener.
David Warner. (AAP Image/David Mariuz)
India batsman KL Rahul admitted a long stint on the sidelines for Warner would be “good for our team”.
National selectors will at least need to find a new opening partner for Aaron Finch in Wednesday’s ODI series finale and the three ensuing Twenty20s.
“We’ve got to reshuffle it around. I don’t think he’ll be available,” captain Finch said.
But filling the potential void left by Warner at the top of the Test order would cause coach Justin Langer far more stress.
Joe Burns and Will Pucovski were slated to open together for Australia A in a ‘bat off’, which starts at Drummoyne Oval on Sunday and was set to help determine which of them plays the first Test.
Burns and Pucovski may now both confront Jasprit Bumrah under lights at Adelaide Oval, unless selectors opt to overhaul the batting order.
Warner had started the ODI series in strong form, scoring 69 and 83, and scored a career-best 335 not out in last year’s pink-ball Test.
“It’s not great signs for David,” Test tweaker Nathan Lyon said in the Fox Cricket commentary box.
The former vice-captain’s injury comes two days after Marcus Stoinis suffered a minor side strain during the ODI series opener.
Stoinis and Warner are among the Indian Premier League stars who were released from hotel quarantine the day before the first ODI on Friday.
maverick
Roar Rookie
Class player? Averages in the 20s after 94 Odis!
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
That's funny Micko.
Micko
Roar Rookie
When was the last time Wade played an ODI?
Micko
Roar Rookie
No, just ask Warner's opinion on who should replace him. :silly:
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
They could surely change that given the unforseen emergency?
Tom
Wasn't picked in the squad
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Then I guess Usman simply must play in the A games.
Tom
Horrible until the most recent match where he made 131 and 48no. He averaged about 18 from his previous 10 shield matches before that. He’s also been batting at 4 for Qld so that might not help.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Yeah and Finch will be 36 Brian. Given the next world cup is in India i assume it is early 2023 so barely two years away. If we assume finch and Warner wont be there then when will they start planning as does Smith become captain again? Although Gilly was going on 36 in 2007 and McGrath had just turned 37 and they were key performers in that triumph. Hayden was also 35 and a half.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
That's a really good point about Carey DTM.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
I suppose if Stoinus is considered a key one day player it wouldn't hurt.
Paul
Roar Guru
D'arcy Short's been called up but whether that guarantees him a game? I'd still like to see what Stoinis can do as opener if he's fit.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Maybe Langer could come out of retirement himself ...
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Khawaja would be the best choice because of his experience. But whats his shield form been like this season?
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
Totally. See what his temperament is like at international level.
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
I think promoting Labu to the rank of Brevet Opener for the 3rd game is the most logical choice.
jameswm
Roar Guru
In the ODIs - Wade to opened seems a bit of a no brainer. leftie, class player, often opens, leaves the rest of the order the same etc.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Good luck recovering from any decent groin injury within 3 weeks. This might mean the Burns v Pucovski debate was all in vain. Instead of having a meaningful bat-off in the A game, the bat-off will instead happen in the first 1-2 tests, whilst Davey is on the sidelines. Pretty hard to argue with the results of those games.
Gee
Roar Rookie
Good question, Harris is in good form and sort of did okay last series against India. Khawaja could also be in the running if Burns has a shocker.
Chanon
Guest
Another scenario for the 1st test if Warner doesn’t play & Burns in the tour matches gets horrible scores (0 & 10)for example! Would Langer consider playing both Harris & Pucovski in 1st test?