Superstar David Warner will return in Thursday’s one-dayer between NSW and South Australia at Adelaide Oval.
Warner suffered a groin strain approximately three months ago during an ODI, which prevented him from taking part in the opening half of Australia’s four-Test series against India.
The 34-year-old played the SCG and Gabba Tests, but was restricted by the painful injury that will require ongoing treatment for six to nine months.
The opener took a break after the final Test, sitting out two Sheffield Shield games plus a one-day clash as he concentrated on rehab.
Steve Smith won’t fly out with NSW’s squad on Wednesday as he continues to manage an arm injury, but Warner has been cleared to play under the captaincy of Pat Cummins on Thursday.
“We all know Davey’s quality as a player in all formats and it’s great to see him back for the Blues,” NSW coach Phil Jaques said.
“He has worked really hard on his rehab and has been great around the group when he’s been at training.
“It will be fantastic to have his experience around the team over the coming weeks.”
Warner, Smith and other players require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Cricket Australia to take part in this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL), which is slated to start in April and overlap with the end of Australia’s domestic season.
CA routinely provides NOCs for the IPL, which falls during players’ leave period, unless they are worried about an injury.
CA medicos will keep a close eye on Warner, but being fit enough to play for NSW suggests the veteran will get the green light to captain Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Warner, speaking on Fox Sports last week, revealed he sought advice from athletes who suffered similar tendon injuries.
“They have just said it’s a niggle,” he said.
“You have just got to teach your brain to not worry about the pain and that it’s not going to happen again.
“It’s going to aggravate me for the next six to nine months, but I am sure the medicos will help me out.”
Paul
Roar Guru
so you know 100% for sure CA is going to sign off on the NOC to allow him to play in the IPL? What's your source that can verify this assertion, please? And if he does more damage to his groin in this game, you're 100% sure CA will still allow him to play IPL?
Warner has nothing riding on this game. He's almost fully fit, albeit with some lingering pain in the groin which will persist for a few months. He is playing in the IPL, guaranteed, it's still over a month away
bowledover
Roar Rookie
Green is churning out runs. great to see.
Linphoma
Guest
That is gold, Paul.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Warner said he has to “teach his brain not to worry about the pain”. A sceptic may comment that he could be at a disadvantage!
Jeff
Roar Rookie
In his match, Green 8 fours and 1 six off of 14 consecutives balls faced. Yowsers.
Oliver
Roar Rookie
NSW are so stacked with quality that their second 11 could probably win the cup
Paul
Roar Guru
how was his elbow? Hope he didn't give it too much of a work out. :happy:
badmanners
Roar Rookie
Smith looked pretty healthy at the Argyle Inn Taralga on the weekend having Saturday lunch.
Paul
Roar Guru
A cynic would think Davey's got quite a few bob riding on this one day game. Is he wanting to play for his State, or playing to prove to CA he's fit enough for them to issue him an NOC, so he can play in the IPL? Or maybe it's both?