Australian opener Joe Burns’ scan reports show no signs of serious injury and has now been cleared to play the 2nd Test, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Burns was hit on the elbow off a Jasprit Bumrah delivery during the 1st Test, that Australia won by 8 wickets in Adelaide, and Burns’ 51 not out was clinical for the hosts.
The 31-year-old will be available for the Boxing Day Test against India, starting December 26, while David Warner’s availability still has a question mark. Warner suffered a groin injury during the ODI series against India and was ruled of the T20I series and the recently concluded Pink Ball Test.
Hosts Australia will walk into the 2nd Test with an advantage as they already have a 1-0 lead in the 4-match Test series as they bowled out India for 36 in the 3rd innings of the 1st Test. But Warner missing out could be a blow for Australia who, according to captain Tim Paine, have to improve their batting while the bowling was exceptional in Adelaide.
Meanwhile, Will Pucovski is still recovering from his concussion suffered during a tour game and has been ruled of the Melbourne Test. The 21-year-old has suffered multiple concussions and hence is being monitored closely by the management.
“Burnsey is a really important part of our team, all cricketers know how hard it is when going through a run like that. To come out in Test cricket and try and find your way out of it, it’s a very difficult place to be so we are thrilled for Burnsey. Fifty [51] not out will do his confidence a world of good,” captain Tim Paine said, on Saturday, after Australia’s 8-wicket win.
