AUS vs IND: Justin Langer opens up on Australia’s opening pair for third Test

The third Test of the closely fought Border-Gavaskar Trophy will get underway on 7th January 2021 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The series is currently in a stalemate at 1-1, with Australia and India posting identical victories (by 8 wickets), in the first and second Tests respectively.

However, if there has been one concern for the Australians, it is the fact that in three out of the four innings that the kangaroos have batted thus far, their openers have been unable to put on a partnership of even 20 runs. Joe Burns came a cropper in three out of the four innings that he has played this series. He was eventually dropped ahead of the third Test.

However, there is some good news awaiting the Australians as coach Justin Langer has announced that David Warner is most likely to return to action at the SCG even if he is not fully fit. He also declared that Warner is a ‘warrior’. Langer further added that the opener loves Test cricket and is ready for the battle and looks very likely to take the field in Sydney.

“Very hopeful that David will be ready to go (for the third Test), he is a bit of a warrior, isn’t he? I have said this since day one that he is doing everything possible to be ready. He is moving pretty well. He is very determined to play. He loves the competition and he loves playing Test cricket. We will get some final eyes on him at training this afternoon and we will make a discussion on that. But I would say, he (Warner) is looking very likely to play the Test match,” said Langer in a virtual conference.

Will Pukovski all set to open

The coach also declared that Will Pukovski, who missed the first two Tests due to a concussion-related problem, is all set to make his debut in the New Year’s Test as he has been cleared to play by the medical team.

“He has been cleared by all the medicos. He has been cleared and that will be very heartening for him and for his family and everyone involved in it.”

The last time Warner put on the whites for his country was a year ago, in January 2020. He has also not played any practice games leading up to the third Test. But Langer is confident that Warner’s experience at the international level will help him to overcome the lack of match practice.