AUS vs IND: Warner, Abbott set to miss Melbourne Test

Australia opener David Warner and pacer Sean Abbott have both been ruled out of the Boxing Day Test against India. Both players will join the Aussie squad ahead of the third Test.

Warner, who sustained an adductor injury in his groin during the ODI series, is yet to fully recover. Meanwhile, Abbott has just recovered from his calf strain that he picked up during the warm-up game against India.

“Warner and Abbott spent time in Sydney outside the team’s bio-secure hub to recover from injury. While neither player has been in a specific ‘hotspot’ as outlined by NSW Health, Cricket Australia’s bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test,” a Cricket Australia release stated.

Given the recent resurgence of Covid-19 cases in Sydney, both Warner and Abbott have travelled to Melbourne and will continue their rehabilitation there. The second Test between Australia and India is set to begin on December 26 (Saturday) at the MCG. Despite the injury concerns, no additional players have been added to the Australian squad.