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.”
Pierro
Roar Rookie
It looks like warner was going to be selected no matter what happened so just hope he makes runs for the team now . he has to get a decent pass for yesterday despite the easy dropped catch off the edge at 20 and the French cut missing his stumps by a whisker. we will never know how well renshaw or Bancroft would have gone but with these pitches not being traditional uk green decks they are as good a pitch to suit warner and head ,as flat track players , as they will ever get . Baz ball pitches suit warner and head . if they were traditional decks warner would be in alot of trouble so Australia’s batting team has a nice balance for any uk pitch in this series
Gharner
Roar Rookie
Granted it happened in the 13th over, but would you still be saying he shielded the middle order if he was caught for yet another below-par score? A bowler-friendly pitch is what the bowlers make it, and they were generally too short. The chances both openers offered and their eventual wickets says as much. Allowed Warner to play his nudge and run game, and Khawaja could leave on length.
Kurt S
Roar Pro
Ponting in commentary mentioned that Warner is playing the ball under his eyes again for the most part. After hearing that, it was noticable. Maybe he is starting to find some form. Some of the bottom hand jabs made it to the boundary in quick fire time so the timing seems to be coming back.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Changes nothing? He’s pasted through a very bowler friendly pitch in overcoats/rain conditions to score a quick 66 while in for Khawaja looked like he couldn’t buy a run. Same with Marnus when he came out. That innings has set up the middle order to do what they’ve done. Contrast the conditions and importance of Warner coming out first up against Green. Australia will win this test and break the will of the English, all beautifully set up on the back of Warner’s morning knock that shielded Marnus and Smith from the worst of it. He will finish this series for sure now baring injury.
Gharner
Roar Rookie
Not a terrible innings, but offered an easy catch on 20, lucky not to get out with a couple of reckless slogs, and took advantage of some inconsistent bowling as he did in the 1st innings of the WTC final. This changes nothing.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
hope he does well. i've always been a sucker for a vindication and redemption story