The opener David Warner was ruled out of the upcoming T20I match on Australia’s tour of New Zealand 2024 owing to injury.
David Warner ruled out of Third T20I
Warner will be missing the T20I match at Auckland, due to an adductor injury, but he is expected to be fit to play in the IPL 2024 next month.
He was rested during the second T20I match against New Zealand on Friday as part of Australia’s rotation strategy. Cricket Australia revealed a statement about the player ahead of the final T20I match saying,
“Warner will require a brief recovery period which is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League leading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.”
It is expected that he will regain his fitness within seven to ten days. Missing the final T20Is of the series indicates that it will be the end of the player’s bilateral career as it is expected that the player will be retiring from the T20I career after the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June.
He smashed 32 runs on 20 deliveries during the first T20I match of the New Zealand tour. His absence opened a chance for Steve Smith in the squad and may get an opportunity in the World Cup squad.
Despite his inclusion in the squad for the marquee event, he will not be getting a spot in the top order as David Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh are likely to occupy the top order in the batting lineup.
Marsh may be rested for the final match due to which Matthew Wade will be leading the side. On the other hand, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood who played in the first two games will be rested for the third T20I.
Mitchell Starc and Spencer Johnson will be brought in as placements. Sealing the victory in the series 2-0, Australia will be facing New Zealand in the third and final T20I match of the series on February 25 at Eden Park.
