Will David Warner Play 1st ODI Against India?


image-lf9llsfnWarner is currently injured [Twitter]

Australia's opening batter, David Warner, has returned to India for the three-match ODI series in Mumbai. However, his participation in the series is contingent upon a medical clearance.

After featuring in the first two matches of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the southpaw was forced to pull out from the series due to a hairline fracture and concussion suffered during the second Test in Delhi.

Later, Warner underwent rehabilitation in Australia following his injury while Matt Renshaw was brought in to replace him for the final two Tests, with Australia winning one and drawing the other.

Warner finished his last round of rehabilitation sessions before departing for India to take part in the ODI series and Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 season, where he is expected to lead Delhi Capitals in the absence of Rishabh Pant. 

A total of eight members of the Australian ODI squad arrived in India and trained alongside players already in the Test and ODI squad in Ahmedabad, which was also the venue for the fourth and final Test.

Warner, meanwhile, headed straight to Mumbai on Monday, March 13, and will be assessed by the team's medical personnel. They will monitor his batting in the nets before making a decision on his availability for the upcoming series.

Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald is optimistic about David Warner's participation in the series: 

“He’s recovered from his injury, so we’ll see Dave back in Australian colours on the 17th and we’ll go from there." 

Steve Smith will lead Australia in the ODI series as regular skipper and star fast bowler Pat Cummins will be unavailable.

The Australian cricket board, Cricket Australia, has decided not to name a replacement for Cummins in the ODI series and the playing XI will be chosen from the 15-member squad.