David Warner has been ruled out for the final T20I against New Zealand in Auckland due to an adductor injury. However, he is anticipated to recover in time for the commencement of the IPL next month.
Warner was rested for the second match on Friday as part of Australia’s rotation strategy during 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 to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
-CA statement said.
Warner’s recovery is expected to take around seven to ten days. Missing the final match of the series signifies the end of his bilateral international career, with the upcoming T20 World Cup in June marking his final retirement from Australia duty. In the first game in Wellington, he scored 32 off 20 balls but faced criticism from the home crowd, recalling the crowd behavior during the 2016 tour at the start of this series.
With Warner absent, Steven Smith is likely to get another opportunity at the top of the order, aiming to solidify his place in the World Cup squad. In the second T20I, he scored 11 runs off 7 balls, showcasing his skills with an audacious scooped six, but was dismissed lbw by Lockie Ferguson’s first delivery.
Even if selected, it seems improbable that Smith will secure a starting position at the World Cup, as Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh are expected to fill the top three slots.
Matt Short, who featured in the first match in Wellington without being called upon to bat or bowl, is likely to get another opportunity. If Marsh is rested ahead of the Test series, there’s a possibility of Matthew Wade leading the side.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also expected to be sidelined for Sunday’s match after featuring in the first two games. Mitchell Starc and Spencer Johnson are likely to step in as replacements.
