An unconvincing nets session has piled more doubt on David Warner‘s availability for the second Ashes Test, with the opening batter still showing signs of being hampered by his bruised ribs just two days out from the second match.
The veteran left-hander, who took advantage of a series of missed England chances to make 94 in Australia’s first dig in the Ashes opener, played no part in the third nor fourth innings of the Brisbane Test.
That knock of 94 saw him cop two blows to the ribs and, although scans confirmed no fracture, Warner’s availability for the first day-night Test of the summer has since been uncertain.
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The 35-year-old wore a chest guard as he faced throw-downs from batting coach Michael di Venuto for about 30 minutes in the Adelaide Oval nets on Tuesday evening, letting out loud cries of pain while playing several shots square of the wicket.
Warner was then in conversation with di Venuto, coach Justin Langer and team doctor Leigh Golding, gesturing to indicate he was still suffering pain in the ribs.
Warner left the nets without facing a bowler.
Usman Khawaja, overlooked for opener Marcus Harris and No.5 Travis Head for the Gabba Test, is on standby for Warner.
Warner flew into Adelaide a day earlier than most of Australia’s squad to reunite with his family as soon as possible, having not seen them since departing for the resumption of the Indian Premier League in September.
“I flew home with him a couple of days ago. His family came into Adelaide which was nice,” Head told reporters on Tuesday morning.
“And he felt like he was in a good space.
“Obviously he was a little bit sore, (so) we didn’t take any risks with him only needing 20.
“He was going to bat but in the end our bowlers did a fantastic job to give him a day off. So I think for him it was just rest.
“I think he’s ready to go. So no issues for David.”
Warner hasn’t played a Test at Adelaide Oval since making his unbeaten 335 against Pakistan in the 2019-20 summer – the only Test triple hundred scored at the venue.
A groin injury meant Warner only played two of the four Tests against India in the 2020-21 Australian summer.
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