Australia v India: David Warner eyes Boxing Day Melbourne Test to make comeback after groin strain

The much-awaited pink ball Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy has begun, and players of both nations would be putting their best foot forward to steal the glory. It is a clear fact that Australia’s ace batsman David Warner is out of the playing XI owing to his groin strain. In the latest turn of events, Warner states that he is aiming to mark his comeback in the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne.

Warner stated his absence from the opening Test as ‘devastating.’ He had to leave the match in between only during Australia’s 2nd ODI against India. However, with the Test series in action now, Warner is keen to make his comeback quickly. The first Day-Night Test between the two cricketing giants has already kicked off in Adelaide.

“I am (hopeful). That’s one that I never want to miss out on. Adelaide is my first missed Test through injury so, I’m obviously very disappointed with that. With the big series that it is, it’s devastating to miss a Test, but I know that the guys who are walking out there are going to put their best foot forward,” Warner told Australia sports radio network SEN.

Hopefully, I’ll be good to go by the end of next week: David Warner

Only nine days are left for the Melbourne Test to begin, and Warner stated that he has increased the intensity of his rehab work to make it surely on the day. The last time India visited Australian soil, Australian greats in form of Steve Smith and David Warner were not part of the squad. Therefore, the two ace batsmen will be keen on making a mark against visitors this time.

“Hopefully, I can get up and about and start running at a higher tempo. I managed to get up to 14 kilometres an hour (8.7mph) so, I’ve got to work towards a max of 26 to 30 kilometres an hour by next week. If I can runs between wickets and move laterally, and do some ground fielding by the end of next week, I should be ready to go. Fingers crossed,” Warner concluded.