Australia, who have already sealed the ODI series with one match to go, will miss the service of David Warner and Pat Cummins will miss the rest of Australia’s white-ball matches against India. Meanwhile, D’Arcy Short has now joined the T20 squad ahead of the third and final one-dayer.
Incidentally, Warner sustained a groin injury while fielding in the second ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Warner limped off in the fourth over of the second innings having tumbled in the field to save a single from the bat of India opener Shikhar Dhawan.
David Warner, Pat Cummins ruled out
David Warner looked in immense pain as he clutched his groin as he got to his feet while the team’s physio sprinted onto the field. The swashbuckling batsman underwent a scan and now has returned home for his rehab in a bid to achieve fitness for the first Test starting December 17.
On the other hand, there are no injury concerns for Pat Cummins, who will take a break to remain fresh for the much-awaited Test series. Incidentally, Cummins has played non-stop cricket through Australia’s UK tour in August-September, the Indian Premier League in the UAE and the first two ODIs back home.
Also Read: Watch – David Warner Forced To Leave Field With Injury
Australia called in for a like-to-like replacement for David Warner in D’Arcy Short for the shortest format. However, they have not sought any replacement for Pat Cummins. Australia coach Justin Langer confirmed that both David Warner and Pat Cummins are critical to their plans for the Test series and they want them fully fit.
“Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the Test series,” said coach Justin Langer.
“Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer. The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs,” he added.