David Warner will wait until after the second Test to assess damage to his left hand after pushing through the pain barrier to lay the platform for Australia on day one at Lord’s.
Warner made a crucial 66 for Australia on day one of the second Ashes Test, surviving a tough opening session on Wednesday under heavy cloud cover before the visitors went to stumps on 5-339.
The innings was his best in England since the end of the 2015 Ashes series after a miserable 2019 tour, and doubled as the opener’s second score above 50 in 20 innings worldwide.
But it did come through adversity.
Warner has been battling a bruised finger on his left hand since copping a ball to the knuckle from Mohammad Shami in the World Test Championship final against India.
He was hit on the hand again at training earlier this week, before taking another knock on Wednesday.
Those issues come on top of a stone bruise at the base of his left thumb, after being hurt in slips training.
“It’s copped a battering the last two games, and in the nets,” Warner said.
“It’s little bit sore at the moment, bit of a bruise but I’ll just see how we go after the game and I think we’ll examine it then. At the moment it’s quite tender.
“Initially it was more in the palm. I’ve got a hotspot on where my thumb is. Then every time the ball hits the bat, it just jars.
“I’ve had my hand in an ice bucket all afternoon so we’ll just play by ear and we’ll assess it after the game.”
Australia’s officials are confident Warner is not at risk of missing any matches, with a short turnaround between Lord’s, which is due to finish on Sunday, and the Headingley Test starting Thursday.
Warner’s half-century was also his first since announcing earlier this month he plans to retire from Test cricket in January, eying off an SCG farewell against Pakistan.
The opener is well aware runs are the only currency that can buy him his dream exit, but there have been good signs with a fighting 43 against India and 36 in last week’s Edgbaston chase.
“I’ve felt in total control the last six to eight months with where my game is,” Warner said.
“I’m moving into the ball, my feet are moving. It’s not just playing with my hands. The odd one I will play at with my hands when I’m out there, that’s just natural.
“I felt like I was onto something special in the World Test Championship final. And then last game, same thing.
“I feel like everything I’m putting in in the nets is actually coming out there in the middle.
“I’m excited by it and I think if I can keep getting myself in and keep that momentum going with my feet, a big one could be around the corner.”
© AAP
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