Slips catching looms as the final box David Warner must tick as the star batsman attempts to prove his fitness for the third Test.
Key points:
- Australian batsman David Warner has not played for more than a month due to a groin injury, but he could return for the third Test against India
- He says his capacity and ability to move in the field will likely determine whether he plays at the SCG starting on January 7
- Australia will be looking for a better batting performance in Sydney after losing the Boxing Day Test by eight wickets
Warner has been on the sidelines since suffering a groin injury during an ODI on November 29.
Australia, reeling from a shock loss to India in the Boxing Day Test, are desperate for the 84-Test veteran to return at the SCG and bolster their misfiring batting order.
Warner says he will have a better idea of whether he will play the third Test, which starts on Thursday, after training in Melbourne on Saturday and Sunday.
“It’ll probably give me a better indication,” the 34-year-old told reporters on Saturday morning.
Warner suggested his capacity in the field will likely determine whether he returns to Australia’s XI in Sydney.
“I know I can manage the running between the wickets, the shot making I have,” he said.
“Whether it’s standing in the slips cordon, taking catches to my right and left … I need to be agile enough to make sure I’m taking those chances.
“Not be a hindrance there.”
Australia’s top order batting has struggled in the first two Tests, culminating in team totals of 195 and 200 in an eight-wicket loss to India at the MCG.
The performances have led selectors to drop Joe Burns from the squad for Sydney.
Warner revealed the injury may restrict his ability to play certain strokes but argued adrenaline would take over during a match and his trademark speed between the wickets was more important than his full array of shots.
The opener, if selected, declared he was ready to partner with Matthew Wade, Will Pucovski or Marcus Harris at the top of the order.
AAP/ABC
