T20 World Cup 2022: Not sure about David Warner playing the warm-up game against India, says Aaron Finch

Australian opener David Warner suffered whiplash (a neck injury) during the second T20I against England recently and was rested for the third T20I which eventually got washed out.

Ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2022, Finch provided an update on Warner’s fitness and mentioned that he (Warner) might miss the warm-up fixture against India on October 17 at the Gabba. The left-hander has a huge role to play at the top and the fans will be hoping he recovers in time.  

Warner scored 73 and four in the two T20Is he played against England. The 35-year-old was the player of the Tournament in Australia’s maiden T20 World Cup triumph last year. He has been a match-winner over the years across formats. 

With presumably a long campaign lying ahead in the T20 World Cup 2022, Australia have been quite keen on resting Warner whenever possible to make sure he is fit and ready.  

Warner will definitely be right for New Zealand: Aaron Finch 

Finch mentioned that it is unlikely that Warner will take the field against India in the warm-up game and confirmed that he will play against New Zealand in the opening game for the hosts of the T20 World Cup 2022. He further explained the impact of the neck injury and added that Warner will not be risked unless it's necessary.

"I think he (Warner) will definitely be right for New Zealand, but I am not sure about the warm-up game against India. He was ok the day after he hit his head and then the following day his neck got really sore and stiff," Finch told in a press conference in Melbourne.  

"He probably should have been in a neck brace with the way he was carrying on about it the other day, so we will wait and see what he is like." 

"If he is fit he will play, but if he is still a little bit sore we will err on the side of caution. When you have got experienced players who know what they need to do to be ready for a tournament you are not too concerned whether they play that game or not," he added.