Melbourne: Opener David Warner and pacer Sean Abbott have been ruled out of the second Test against India because of injuries and COVID-19 protocols, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Wednesday.
Both Warner and Abbott were outside the team’s bio-secure hub to get treatment for their respective groin and calf injuries. The duo was flown out to Melbourne ahead of schedule on Saturday due to concerns over the recent outbreak of coronavirus in Sydney’s northern beaches.
“While neither player has been in a specific ‘hotspot’ as outlined by NSW Health, Cricket Australia’s bio-security protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test,” CA said in a statement
“Warner has not fully recovered from a groin injury suffered in the ODI series against India and would not have been available for the second Test match, while Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A’s tour match against India and would have been available for selection for the Boxing Day Test,” it added.
Australia are leading the four-Test series 1-0 after winning the pink ball match by eight wickets in Adelaide.
Cricket Australia also confirmed that no additional players will be added to the squad for the Boxing Day Test and David Warner and Sean Abbott will rejoin the Australian men’s Test squad ahead of the third Test against India, which is scheduled to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 7.
India and Australia will lock horns in the Boxing Day Test, beginning December 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground. (UNI)