David Warner battles thumb issue that will be assessed after Lord’s Test

David Warner has already made more runs in two Tests than he did in the 2019 Ashes and he’s doing it in pain.

David Warner’s future beyond the Lord’s Test could be determined by how bad the damage is to his thumb that he had in an ice bucket for hours after his gritty opening day half century.

Australian selectors only picked their squad for the opening two Ashes Tests and Warner conceded his left thumb had “copped a battering” and he was hit on the hand in the nets before the clash that made the issue worse.

Under pressure to keep his spot in the team, Warner made a crucial 66 on day one at Lord’s, his best innings in England since the end of the 2015 Ashes series after a miserable 2019 tour.

But he conceded a post-Test assessment could determine whether he plays on in the third Test.

“It’s copped a battering the last two games and in the nets,” Warner said.

“It‘s little bit sore at the moment, bit of a bruise, but I’ll just see how we go after the game and I think we’ll examine it then. At the moment it’s quite tender.

David Warner is bowled by Josh Tongue. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

“Initially, it was more in the palm. I‘ve got a hotspot on where my thumb is, then every time the ball hits the bat, it just jars.

“I‘ve had my hand in an ice bucket all afternoon, so we’ll just play by ear and we’ll assess it after the game.”

Warner has shown good signs so far in England, making 43 in the World Test Championship final against India and 36 in last week‘s Edgbaston chase.

He said he was “on to something” against India and was feeling the benefits despite his thumb issue.

“I‘ve felt in total control the last six to eight months with where my game is,” Warner said.

“I’m moving into the ball, my feet are moving. It’s not just playing with my hands. The odd one I will play at with my hands when I’m out there, that’s just natural.

“I felt like I was on to something special in the World Test Championship final and then last game, same thing.

“I feel like everything I’m putting in the nets is actually coming out there in the middle.

“I’m excited by it and I think if I can keep getting myself in and keep that momentum going with my feet, a big one could be around the corner.”