Warner, Abbott won't play for Australia in 2nd test vs India

Opener David Warner and bowler Sean Abbott will t play in second cricket test against India at Melbourne Cricket Ground beginning Saturday due to a combination of injuries and COVID-19 quarantine restrictions.

Warner and Abbott spent time in Sydney outside team’s bio-secure hub to recover from injuries.

“While neir player has been in a specific ‘hotspot' on Sydney's rrn beaches as outlined by NSW Health, Cricket Australia’s biosecurity protocols do t allow m to rejoin squ in time for Boxing Day test,” Cricket Australia said in a statement Wednesday.

Warner has t fully recovered from a groin injury sustained in one-day series against India and would t have been available for second test. Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A’s tour match against India and would have been available for selection for MCG test.

pair traveled from Sydney to Melbourne to continue ir rehabilitation given changing public health situation in Sydney at time.

Cricket Australia said ditional players will be ded to squ for Melbourne match.

With 22-year-old star batsman Will Pucovski alrey ruled out from making his test debut at MCG due to a concussion, it means Australia could remain unchanged for second match.

Matw We will again likely partner Joe Burns at top of order after y put on a 70-run stand in Saturday’s successful second-innings chase.

pair will both rejoin Australian team ahe of third test, which is still scheduled for Sydney Cricket Ground beginning Jan. 7. It is possible test could be moved to MCG because of Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak.

Australia overwhelmed India by eight wickets in series opener in day-night test at elaide Oval, bowling out visitors for a record-low of 36 in ir second innings.

With captain Virat Kohli returning to India to be with his wife for birth of ir first child, India will also reportedly be without fast bowler Mohammed Shami due to a broken right arm.

Shami was forced to retire hurt in India’s second innings when he was struck on arm by a short-pitched delivery from Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins.

paceman received treatment on ground and although he tried to continue batting after having his right arm — his bowling arm — taped up, he couldn’t grip handle properly and trudged off field to end India’s innings on an even more distressing te.

Indian team officials in Australia haven't confirmed break, but Press Trust of India has reported that team officials told ncy that Shami would t be available for next three tests in Australia.