Joe Burns Cleared Of A Broken Arm; David Warner Still Doubtful For Boxing Day Test

Test opener Joe Burns has been cleared of a broken arm and has been declared available for the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Burns, who found form in Australia’s second innings as he racked up an unbeaten 51, outscoring India’s second innings, suffered a major injury scare after he copped a vicious blow by a Jasprit Bumrah bouncer.

Skipped Tim Paine, just like Justin Langer, expressed his delight at the opener finally finding form after having gone through a major slump in the lead-up to the Test series.

“Burnsy is a really important part of our team and all cricketers know how hard it is when you’re going through a run like that,” Tim Paine was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

“To come out in Test match cricket and try and find your way out of it – it’s a very, very difficult place to be. It will do his confidence the world of good.” he added.

Another arm blow, this time it was Joe Burns before the break in play #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ncYGsJhMQh

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 19, 2020

However, it still remains to be seen who will partner Joe Burns at the top of the order at the MCG.

Matthew Wade was promoted to the opening spot in the pink-ball Test after Will Pucovski (concussion) and David Warner (abductor) were ruled out due to injury.

While Pucovski is unlikely to make it to the Boxing Day Test, there is uncertainty around David Warner’s availability. The southpaw has been rushed to Melbourne amid Sydney’s growing Covid cluster and is racing against time in a bid to get fit for the 2nd Test.

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