Steve Smith expects David Warner to be fit for Tests against Sri Lanka
David Warner, the Australian opening batsman will not feature in the remaining ODI matches in the tri-series in the West Indies due to his finger injury but he will be fit for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka at the end of July according to Steve Smith.
“I think he is out for the tri-series so the most important thing from my aspect is that he is right for the test series (in Sri Lanka)," Smith told Cricket Australia's website. The Australian captain said that the medical team is confident that Warner will be fit before the first test, which is six weeks from now. Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka starts from 26 July and the men in yellow are scheduled to play 3 tests, 5 ODIs and 2 T20s.
The Australian Vice-captain broke his finger while fielding against South Africa in St Kitts but his side went on to win the match, courtesy Warner’s match wining 109 which included 11 fours and two sixes.
In a series which has been mostly dominated by the bowlers, Warner managed to score a century and a fifty in the three matches played. The opening batsman is the highest run getter in the tri-series till now, scoring 165 in three matches with a staggering average of 82.50.
Also read: Top 5 innings by David Warner in IPL 2016 that don't fade away
Apart from the Warner and Aaron Finch, every other Australian batsman has had a tough outing in the series so far. Warner played sensibly at the top of the order on some difficult batting wickets.
The absence of Warner will put immense pressure on rest of the team. Warner, who is known for his very aggressive batting and superb ground fielding, expressed his disappointment at being ruled out of the tri-series as he is in peak form.The Australian Vice-captain said, “(But this) will give me the chance to freshen up and spend quality time with my family after an intense period of action.” Australia’s next game is against West Indies on 13 June at St Kitts.
Warner's incredible run of form
David Warner, the Sunrisers Hyderabad captain led his team to a maiden IPL trophy. He single-handedly carried his team’s batting for the first half of the tournament, until the other players stepped up.The opening batsman made a match-winning contribution in the Qualifier II and the finals, scoring 93 and 69 respectively. He was the second highest run scorer only after Virat Kohli scoring 848 runs with nine fifties.
Also read: Australia's David Warner ruled out of tri-series with broken finger
The Australian Vice captain is having a dream run in all formats of the game and has earned a lot of praise for his captaincy too in the IPL. Warner’s presence will be very crucial in Sri Lanka since he had a very good IPL. The opening batsman can use all his IPL experience in Sri Lanka because the tracks in Sri Lanka will mostly be spinner friendly like in India.