Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a further setback for the visiting Australian team, opener David Warner is now officially ruled out of the remaining two test matches of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy. Warner is set to return home for rehab of his injured elbow.
Australia has already lost fast bowler Josh Hazlewood (achilles soreness) for the remainder of the test series, while fellow Test squad members Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green were absent from the opening two matches of the series as they recover from finger injuries.
Warner was struck on the grille of his helmet by Indian pacer Mohammed Siraz in the first innings of the second test match in Delhi. The left hander had to be substituted out of the second test with concussion. Matthew Renshaw came in as a concussion sub. X-rays revealed Warner had a hairline fracture of the elbow.
The Aussie opener struggled to get going in the first two test matches, notching up only 25 runs in three completed innings in the Border Gavaskar Trophy so far.
However, it is expected the 36-year-old former Australia vice-captain will return to India for the three-match ODI series that immediately follows the Tests.
“David Warner has been ruled out of the test tour of India and will return home,” CA said in a statement issued this afternoon.
The release further stated, “Warner was struck on the elbow in the second Test in Delhi and sustained a hairline fracture. After further assessment, he will require a period of rehabilitation which will preclude any further involvement in the remainder of the Test series.”
Leg spinner Mitchell Swepson is due to return to India and rejoin the squad having flown home after the opening Test in Nagpur for the birth of his and partner Jess’s first child.