News Analysis India

Tag: Pukowski

  • David Warner unlikely for Boxing Day, big selection call likely in New Year

    David Warner is unlikely to be fit for the Boxing Day Test which means the decision on who will make way when he returns is set to be delayed until the third game of the series in the New Year.

    Warner, who was swiftly moved to Melbourne earlier this week due to the Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney, has been out of action since injuring his groin in the second ODI at the SCG last month and despite an extensive rehabilitation programme, which has including using an oxygen chamber, the time frame looks too tight for him to be available.

    In Warner’s absence – and that of Will Pucovski who is also set to miss the second Test as he continues his recovery from concussion – Joe Burns and Matthew Wade formed a new opening partnership. Burns was coming off the back of a horrid run of form while Wade had never done the job previously in first-class cricket, but they added 70 in the second innings after repelling the new ball for 14 overs in the first.

  • Steve Smith Admits Hosts Face Test Of Batting Depth Amid Opening Queries

    Australia face a test of their batting depth against India with an injury cloud hanging over their top order, Steve Smith said on Thursday. Veteran opener David Warner has been ruled out of the first test in Adelaide, while his likely replacement Will Pucovski is recovering from concussion after being hit by a bouncer during a tour match. With incumbent Joe Burns also struggling for runs, Smith said Australia would find out how well their batting reserves would cope. “I think our depth is obviously going to be tested with Davey out and a few potentially new players coming in,” the former captain told reporters.

    Although omitted from the final pink ball tour match starting in Sydney on Friday, uncapped Pucovski did not travel with the rest of the squad to Adelaide.

    Pundits have offered various ideas about how Australia might cover for the 22-year-old if he is unavailable, including promoting number three Marnus Labuschagne to open or even middle order batsman Matthew Wade.

    Rarely comfortable with long waits to bat, Smith said he would be open to moving up a slot to number three.

    “That doesn’t bother me too much, I’ve batted a fair bit at number three, so three or four. Any lower than four I wouldn’t be overly happy,” he said. “Anywhere up there I’m fine.”