David Warner has been named in Australia’s squad for the remaining two Tests against India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, while Joe Burns has been dropped from the side.
Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins (vc), Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Will Pucovski, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner
Warner, who had been ruled out of the first two Tests due to injury, had been making slow progress to full fitness. While coach Justin Langer had professed to some doubt over his mobility ahead of the Melbourne Test, he is expected to take his spot back in the eleven for the Sydney Test starting on January 7.
“David has made strong progress in his recovery from injury and will be given every chance to play in Sydney with another seven days until the match,” said selector Trevor Hohns in a statement by Cricket Australia.
Hohns also expressed disappointment over Burns’ below-par performances in the two Tests and said, “Unfortunately, Joe’s returns haven’t been what he or the selectors would like or what we consider he is capable of.”
In addition to Warner’s return, the 18-member squad sees the return of Will Pucovski and Sean Abbott. Pucovski, who was in line for a Test debut at the start of the series, was sidelined after being hit on the head during the practice game. Pucovski, who has had a history of concussion-related injuries (9 in total), was said to be “symptom-free”.
“Will is in the final stages of the graduated return to play protocols and has been symptom-free for some time. He will be fit to play in Sydney subject to completing the return to play protocols and an independent assessment,” said Hohns.
