David Warner ruled out of the Test Series against India

Australia have suffered a massive blow ahead of the third test. Marred by injuries the depleted squad first lost ace bowler Josh Hazelwood then opening batter David Warner. The southpaw has been ruled out of the final two tests of the Border Gavaskar Trophy due to his elbow fracture. He will fly home to Sydney to recover but is expected to return to India for the three match ODI series at the end of March. 

After copping a blow from Mohammad Siraj during the first innings of the second test in Delhi, Warner suffered a hairline fracture. He was hit on the helmet two over later and suffered concussion symptoms later and was eventually subbed out of the Test match. 

While his concussion symptoms have subsided, his elbow still remains an unresolved issue. It was initially believed that the hairline fracture was so minor that he could compete in Indore. 

As of Monday night Warner was intending to stay in India to try and battle his injury out. But after further testing and scans it was found out that the fracture was in fact quite severe and he was subsequently ruled out. 

Australia are unlikely to call up any batters as cover. Travis Head is set to open alongside Khawaja at the top of the order. He filled in the vacant opening slot in Delhi and made an enterprising 43. Australia coach Andrew McDonald stressed on MOnday that Head opening was not a long term solution in all conditions but is a good fit in the subcontinent. 

Cameron Green will be fit to compete in Indore. He faced fast bowling in a net session against Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc after he was very close to being selected in the second test. To keep his bowling loads up, the lanky all rounder is training at the Arun Jaitley Stadium while the rest of the squad relaxes for a couple of days following the disastrous collapse on Sunday. 

Australia have already lost premier pacer Josh Hazelwood due to nagging Achilles. Mitchell Starc is deemed fit and will probably play the Indore Test. Mitchell Swepson, who had flown home for the birth of his first child is also set to return for the Third Test. 

Skipper Pat Cummins returned home immediately after the second test citing family reasons and is currently due to return later in the week and is expected to play in Indore, however his situation remains uncertain. 

Australia may release a few squad players to return home to play in the domestic circuit with any changes to be finalised on Wednesday.