Sunday , December 8 2024

David Warner out of the last T20 match against New Zealand

New Delhi, 24 February (HS). Australian opener David Warner has been ruled out of the final T20 match against New Zealand in Auckland due to injury but he is expected to be fit for the start of the IPL next month.

“Warner will require a brief recovery period, however this is not expected to impact his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup,” Cricket Australia (CA) said in an official statement on Saturday.

The time frame for Warner to be fit is estimated to be around seven to 10 days.

Missing the final match of the series means Warner's bilateral international career will now come to an end with the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, which will be his last competition for Australia. He scored 32 runs in 20 balls in the first match in Wellington.

Warner's absence could give Steven Smith another chance at the top of the order as he looks to secure his place in the World Cup squad. He scored 11 runs in 7 balls in the second T20, which included a brilliant scoop six before being out LBW off the first ball of Lockie Ferguson.

Matt Short, who played the first match in Wellington but did not get a chance to bat or bowl, will probably get a second chance as well. There is a possibility that Marsh will be rested before the Test series which would mean that Matthew Wade will take charge of the team.

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also expected to be out of Sunday's match after playing the first two matches. Mitchell Starc and Spencer Johnson will be the replacements.