Australia’s dire batting performances against India have selectors considering playing David Warner as soon as possible, even if he’s not 100 per cent fit.
The hosts have struggled without the left-hander, failing to make more than 200 runs in three innings against India, with the fourth being a successful chase of just 89 runs in Adelaide.
Warner missed the first two Tests with a groin injury but is nearing a return to fitness ahead of the New Year’s Test, starting January 7.
Whether or not he fully overcomes his injury may no longer be a factor in his selection, assistant coach Andrew McDonald said.
“That’s a real clear option that he may not be 100 per cent fit. Who is coming off an injury? You never know until you get out there,” he said. “If he’s 90 or 95 per cent fit and that conversation is that he’s fit enough to be able to perform his duties for the team, then I’m sure that will be a conversation the coach has with the player.
“Most times Justin is pretty open with the players, giving them accountability around that.
“We’ll get a good steer on that when he comes into camp for the training on the 2nd and 3rd.
“Once we get our eyes on him and put him through some specific tests … I think the information will become clear. He’s very optimistic he should be ready to go which is great news.”
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