World Cup 2019: David Warner Declared Fit For Afghanistan Clash

In a huge relief for Australia, their opener David Warner has been declared fit for their World Cup-opener against Afghanistan on Saturday (June 1). There were concerns over Warner’s availability after he pulled out midway from the team’s training session in Bristol. Warner had complained  of a stiff glute muscle on the right leg.

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Later, head coach Justin Langer confirmed that the batsman was ‘a bit sore’ while also stating that there is no surety over whether Warner would play the game. Langer had said that a call would be taken on Warner before the day of the game and the opener has now passed the fitness test. The former Australia opener had also said that Warner would open the innings if he he recovers.

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“We’ve got to make sure we don’t aggravate it early in a long tournament. He will open the first game if he’s fit,” Langer said.

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With Warner opening the innings, there are now doubts over Usman Khawaja‘s place in the playing eleven. Either Khawaja, who was opening the innings for Australia this year, or Shaun Marsh will make way for Warner in the playing eleven. Khawaja will feel hard done by if he faces the axe. The left-handed batsman is the world’s leading ODI run scorer in 2019, with 769 at an average of 59.15. He’s ahead of Finch (634 at 52.83) and Virat Kohli (611 at 55.54). On the other hand, Marsh is 17th on the list.

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Meanwhile, Warner will be looking to hit the ground running in his first international game for Australia since his ban ended. He had an impressive outing in the Indian Premier League where he finished as the top run-scorer.  He, however, has not quite managed to do well for Australia in the practise and warm-up games

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