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David Warner remains hopeful to play Australia-New Zealand series

Australian opener David Warner pushing against time to be fit for a place in the first Test.

David Warner eyeing a return in the national team after injury layout ©Getty Images
David Warner eyeing a return in the national team after injury layout ©Getty Images

Australia‘s opening batsman and vice captain David Warner who is nursing a thumb injury is hopeful of being in contention of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Warner who broke his left thumb in ODI against England at Lord’s is still able to pick up a cricket bat. Warner will to prove his fitness in upcoming Sheffield Shield clash NSW against South Australia which is from 20-31 October prior to the first Test at Gabba from 5th November. Australia selection committee will decide the first Test squad halfway the Sheffield Shield clash and Warner remains confident on his availability.

Warner did mention that the injury, which he suffered against England at Lord’s on 4th September, will take more time to heal. A hit from Steven Finn resulted in a crack near of tip of right thumb on his right hand, the same injury had occurred during  nets in 2013.”I saw the surgeon at the four-week mark, which was last Friday,” Warner said today speaking to Cricket Australia’s official website. “I had an x-ray and it was still broken. He said generally around the six-week mark – I’m coming up to five weeks at the moment – generally it would be healed. At this stage my goal is to try and play the first Shield game. I’ll have a follow up x-ray this Friday and then if all goes well I’ll be having a hit (in the nets) on Monday, . According to Warner’s timeline he has not more than a week from returning to nets and playing the day-night Shield match. ALSO READ: Matt Henry: Pink ball for Day-Night Tests needs more testing

Warner mentioned that if he remained unfit to play the Shield match is was up to the selectors to pick him in the Test squad based on this preparation. “I probably can, but I haven’t spoken to selectors about that. But my goal is to play that Shield game, I want to play that Shield game to have a hit because I don’t think I’ll be able to get out here and play any of the last couple of games for the Matador Cup, ” he said.

“ I think eight years on the road playing a lot of cricket; you don’t lose that (ability) overnight. I think this four to six week break mentally (has) freshened me up and I think it’s going to put me in good stead for the summer. You’re only one or two hits away in the nets, an hour off getting back to what you can do. But obviously batting against bowlers is going to be the key.” Warner who was present at Australia’s red ball training camp at Hurstville, did show his thumb which was covered by protective guard to prevent further damage. ALSO READ: Mitchell Santner to replace injured Corey Anderson for 2015 New Zealand’s tour of Australia

This injury means he will not take part in any activities going on in the camp, which is for the Australians to get ready for red ball cricket for the upcoming season.Warner was more worried about how his thumb injury will affect his fielding than his batting. “I’m never nervous,” he said with a smile when asked if there would be any nerves before his first hit-out in the nets.”I think it’ll come down to when I have to catch a ball I’ll be a little bit hesitant.”But I’ve broken this before and I know exactly what I have to do. That’s getting it right with the bat first and then we’ll worry about the fielding and catching later.”

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