India vs Australia Series – Langer doubtful for 3rd Test : David Warner is still not a certainty for the 3rd test in Sydney. According to Australian team coach Justin Langer, Warner still hasn’t recovered from his groin injury and can’t run properly. The third Test will start on January 7, in either Sydney or back at the MCG, where Warner has been batting in the nets isolated from the rest of the Test squad.
“As we‘ve said for the last few weeks, there’s no-one more professional and he’s doing everything possible,” Langer told Channel 7 on Sunday. “We saw him bat the day before the game. He’s batting again this afternoon here at the MCG. So in terms of his batting, he’s flying.
“It‘s just trying to – he’s still having some trouble with his groin, and we know how dynamic he is, his running between the wickets, the way his movement’s all the time.
“So he’s getting closer and we’re hopeful that he will come good. He’s certainly hopeful he’s going to come good, but time will tell.
“We still have a few more days till the next Test match. Fingers crossed he’s ready to go for that third Test match.”
Warner has already missed the opening two clashes after injuring himself in the field during a one-day clash in Sydney on November 29. Australia has struggled to have decent opening partnerships in absence of Warner. Matthew Wade selected to replace Warner on top or his opening partner Joe Burns once again failed on the opening day of 2nd test. The return of Warner could see stand-in opener Matthew Wade move back down the order in place of either Travis Head or Cameron Green.
But Wade could also be needed to stay at the top of the order if Joe Burns, who was out for a duck in the first innings a the MCG, fails to register a score in the second innings.