Australia vs India: David Warner, Sean Abbott ruled out of Boxing Day MCG Test

David Warner and Sean Abbott won’t be a part of the Australian squad for the second Test against India, starting December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The duo wasn’t a part of the Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval after they sustained injuries. Cricket Australia’s strict bio-secure protocols also made sure that Warner and Abbott won’t be a part of the upcoming Test.

Even as Warner is recovering from a groin injury, Abbott injured his calf. Moises Henriques was called upon as Abbott’s replacement. Both Abbott and Warner had flown back to Melbourne ahead of border closure due to the coronavirus outbreak and would be joining the squad ahead of the third Test, scheduled to start on January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

CA updates on David Warner and Sean Abbott

“Cricket Australia’s bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test,” Cricket Australia was quoted as saying in a statement, reported by Hindustan Times.

“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. “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,” the statement added.

For the Day-Night Test, the Aussies didn’t have Warner and Will Pucovski, who both missed out. Hence, the hosts had to opt for Joe Burns and Matthew Wade as their openers. It didn’t cost them as the home team managed to take a 1-0 lead with an eight-wicket victory. Warner and Abbott, not being available, means that Australia are likely to field an unchanged eleven.

Leaving the Aussies aside, even Team India are suffering from injury concerns. After Ishant Sharma couldn’t make the cut for all the four Tests, Mohammed Shami has been ruled out due to a fractured arm.

The latter would be flying back to India on December 23 and would undergo quarantine in his home country. India also won’t be having Virat Kohli for the last three days as he has gone on paternity leave to be with his wife.