The Australian cricket team had a mixed day at training ahead of the first Ashes Test match. Left-hand batsman Usman Khawaja passed the fitness test with flying colors. He will be available for selection as the think-tank plans to put out their best XI at Edgbaston.
Warner leaves the nets limping
On the other hand, explosive opener David Warner copped a nasty blow above his left knee. He dragged an inside edge off Michael Neser”s delivery. Warner soon switched to spinners before limping out of the nets-throwing a major scare at coach Justin Langer.
Team physio David Beakley accompanied Warner as he received medical assistance. He is likely to be available before Tim Paine and Joe Root take the field with their respective troops.
The trio is back in the national fold
Warner along with former skipper Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft were picked in the national side after the trio served their respective bans. While Warner and Smith were handed a 12-month suspension, Bancroft was slapped with a nine-month drought spell.
Khawaja likely to be Australia”s No.3
Khawaja is likely to be Australia”s No.3. The southpaw sustained a hamstring strain during the World Cup and didn”t take part in the latter stages of the tournament. Australia were beaten by arch-rivals England and there will be no love lost once the two sides face each other. The hosts lifted the World Cup by beating New Zealand in the finals at Lord”s.
Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.
England squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
