David Warner in doubt for first Test

It was presumed Will Pucovski’s chance of making his debut in next month’s first Test would come at the expense of Joe Burns, but an injury to David Warner threatens that prediction.

David Warner winces after suffering an injury in the field against India at the SCG on Sunday Picture: AFP

It was presumed Will Pucovski’s chance of making his debut in next month’s first Test would come at the expense of Joe Burns, but an injury to David Warner threatens that prediction.

Warner appeared to hurt his groin while fielding early in the second innings of the ODI against India at the SCG.

The opener had to be helped from the field and later left the ground as the game continued.

He is clearly in doubt for the rest of the limited over series and possibly worse.

Groin injuries are notoriously slow to heal and it is less than three weeks until the first Test in Adelaide on December 17.

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Warner had started the summer, like all of Australia’s top order, in brilliant form. The opener hit 63 in the first match as part of a 156-run partnership with captain Aaron Finch and 83 on Sunday before being run out. The pair had put on 142 runs before Finch’s dismissal.

His absence in the immediate future may even up a lopsided contest. India is missing its opener Rohit Sharma.

Warner’s aggression at the top of the order has been a constant for Australian cricket for many years.

Pucovski takes a more measured approach to the game, but is an undeniably extraordinary talent.

He has scored two double centuries for Victoria in the first two Sheffield Shield games of the summer.

Burns and the Pucovski were expected to play off for a place in the side in a forthcoming game for Australia A against India A at the SCG.

Australia have a number of options for the rest of the limited overs series including opening with Matthew Wade or including Cameron Green and shuffling the order.