Will David Warner play in the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India?

Will David Warner play in the Boxing Day Test: The Australian opening batsman had missed the first Test due to a groin injury.

Australia’s opening pair of Joe Burns and Matthew Wade will continue to open the batting for them in the second Test against India beginning from December 26 in Melbourne.

The development is all but confirmed after reports of opening batsman David Warner being ruled out of the Boxing Day Test. Warner, who had missed the first Test due to a groin injury, seems highly unlikely for the second one for he is yet to register an ideal recovery.

Coming on the back of a thumping 8-wicket victory in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval, Australia have little reasons to change their Playing XI for the MCG Test.

However, a week-long gap before the third Test in Sydney should be enough for Warner to recover from his groin injury. If the same happens, Australia will be bound to make a tough call in a bid to accommodate Warner.

While the southpaw will open the batting without a doubt, the fortunes of Burns, Wade, Travis Head and Cameron Green will depend on how well they perform at the MCG.

If Australia chose to open with Warner and Burns, Wade could move to his usual No. 6 position which would mean an ouster for Green. If the hosts chose to stick with a fifth bowling option in Green, one out of Wade or Head will have to sit out.

Burns, who was struggling for form before scoring a half-century in a 90-run chase, could also be made to sit out provided he doesn’t score as many runs in Melbourne. In such a scenario, Wade could continue as an opening batsman with Head and Green batting at No. 5 and 6 respectively.