Australia vs New Zealand: Justin Langer confirms David Warner’s availability for Boxing Day Test

Australia’s opening batsman David Warner has been in fine form of late. He smashed his maiden triple hundred against Pakistan at home. He also looked well set at the crease to break Matthew Hayden’s 380 against Zimbabwe and Legendary Brian Lara’s record of 400 against England but Tim Paine called off the innings.

However, Warner went past the highest Test scores of Don Bradman and Mark Taylor (334). Warner’s unbeaten 335*(418) is now the 2nd highest individual Test score by an Australian. In the first Test match against New Zealand which concluded recently, David Warner failed to convert his low scores into big ones as he got out for 43 and 19 in the first and second innings respectively.

On Monday, David Warner received a beating on the hand while batting in the nets session. The opening batsman had to go through medical scans after he was struck on the thumb. However, he returned to the practice session with his hand strapped. There were widespread speculations regarding his availability for the second Test which starts on Boxing Day, December 26 (Thursday).

David Warner is fit and ready to play the second Test

However, in the latest update, it has been clear that Warner has been declared fit for the next Test. Justin Langer confirmed that there is nothing to worry about Warner as he is fit and ready to go all guns blazing for the upcoming Test match at the iconic MCG. “I’ve got absolutely no worries that he’ll be raring to go,” Australia coach Justin Langer told while addressing the media reporters at the press conference on Tuesday.

“There was a little concern for about two seconds, but then he saw the doctor and he’s hitting balls again. We know how well he’s playing at the moment, we know how much all the boys love playing test cricket and Boxing Day cricket … so he’ll be ready to go,” Langer said.

As per local media outlets, Warner spent 45 minutes at the nets on Tuesday. It seems that he is feeling pain and he even took his hand off the bat. Australia currently lead the three-match Test series by 1-0 as they beat the visitors by 296 runs in the first Test at Perth.

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