David Warner and Sean Abbott would not be a part of the Australian squad for the second match of the 4-Test series against India which is scheduled to start from December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
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The duo had missed the first Test at Adelaide Oval owing to groin and calf injuries respectively, and while they were expected to join the team for the Boxing Day Test, the strict bio-secure protocols established by Cricket Australia prevents them from doing so.
David Warner has not fully recovered from the groin injury: Cricket Australia
As per the statement issued by Cricket Australia, Warner and Abbott broke the bio-secure bubble and spent time in Sydney to recover from the injuries sustained.
The duo then traveled back to Melbourne in the early hours to continue with their rehabilitation procedures considering the heath situation in Sydney. Although they haven’t been in any ‘hotspot’ as per NSW Health, CA’s rule denies them joining the unit for the next Test at MCG.
“Warner has not fully recovered from a groin injury suffered in the ODI series against India and would not have been available for the second Test,” it said.
The statement added, “Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A’s tour match against India and would have been available for selection for the Boxing Day Test.”
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Furthermore, no additional players have been added to the squad for the second Test.
For the first Test at Adelaide Oval, the hosts didn’t have the services of Warner and Will Pucovski, still, they managed to render a clinical victory over India to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Matthew Wade and Joe Burns had been their replacements, with the latter recording an unbeaten fifty to steer Australia to an 8-wicket win.
It is likely that Tim Paine & Co would go unchanged for the much-awaited Test.
As far as the Indian cricket team is concerned, they have significant concerns ahead of the second Test. Pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out for the remainder of the Test series after suffering a fracture on the right forearm of a Pat Cummins’ delivery. Shami would now fly back to India on December 23 and follow the quarantine procedures.
Skipper Virat Kohli has flown back to India as he is on paternity leave and will be missing out on the remaining three Tests. In his absence, Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the visitors in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
