David Warner will miss the final T20I against New Zealand in Auckland due to an adductor injury, but he is expected to be fit ahead of the start of the IPL 2024 next month. He was rested during Friday’s second T20I as part of Australia’s rotation strategy throughout the series.
“Warner will require a brief recovery period which is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League leading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup,” a CA statement said.
Warner’s recovery period is estimated to be approximately seven to 10 days. Missing the final match of the series signals the end of Warner’s bilateral international career, with his retirement from Australia duty set to coincide with the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. In the first game in Wellington, he scored 32 runs off 20 balls before being booed off the ground by the home crowd, reminiscent of the crowd behavior during the 2016 tour that Warner had previously mentioned.
Warner’s absence opens the door for Steven Smith to potentially secure his place in the World Cup squad with another opportunity at the top of the order. Smith’s brief innings of 11 runs off 7 balls in the second T20I included an audacious scooped six before he was dismissed lbw by Lockie Ferguson’s first delivery.
Despite Smith’s chances, it seems unlikely that he will secure a starting position at the World Cup, with Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh likely to occupy the top three spots.
Matt Short, who played in the first match in Wellington without contributing with bat or ball, is expected to have another outing. There’s a possibility that Marsh will be rested ahead of the Test series, potentially leading to Matthew Wade taking over the leadership.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also anticipated to be rested for Sunday’s match after featuring in the first two games, with Mitchell Starc and Spencer Johnson poised to step in as replacements.
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