Neck injury still troubling David Warner

Australian opener David Warner has not completely recovered from the strain he picked in his neck during a practice session ahead of the opening Test at the Gabba and his neck is still stiff. However, the New South Welshman reckons he is alright to play the game after taking some painkillers.

There was a cloud of doubt over Warner’s participation in the Ashes opener after he hurt his neck. The Australian selectors had even called in Glenn Maxwell as a cover for him on a precautionary basis. But when the Australian captain Steve Smith announced the playing XI last evening, Warner’s name was in there which cleared all the doubts about the dashing left-hander taking the field.

“A sore neck was not going to keep me out. I was always going to be up for it, a few painkillers here and there, but I am out here now and I’m roaring.” Warner was quoted saying while talking to Wide World of Sports’ Ian Healy in the rain break on day 1 at Gabba.

“Chasing balls hasn’t helped”

Warner revealed the fact that he had to do a fair bit of work on the field chasing some of the boundary shots caused him a bit of discomfort, but as the game progressed and the adrenaline kicked into the body, he started feeling more at ease.

“I’ve chased a few to the boundary which hasn’t helped, but a bit of adrenaline, a few drugs into the system and it’s good to go,” Warner remarked.

He admitted that because of the trouble in his neck, he is facing a few difficulties in terms of his batting and his stance is also a little different from his usual appearance, but he is backing himself to do the job for Australia despite the odds.

“It’s quite hard getting out there in the nets and trying to face up. I have got the old Shiv Chanderpaul and JL (Justin Langer) front-on look at the moment. But I am looking forward to facing the challenges, that’s for sure.” Warner signed off.