Australia suffered a big blow for their upcoming T20I series against India when their ace opening batsman David Warner was ruled out of that bilateral event. The left-handed batsman had to limp off the field during India's innings in the second ODI against India played at the Sydney Cricket Ground after sustaining a groin strain.
Since the ODI series has already been won by the Aussies, his absence in the third and final match of the series won't be such a big issue. However, the home team would be desperately hoping for the prolific run-scorer to get fit before the all-important Test series against India begins on December 17.
D'Arcy Short, a highly-talented left-handed opening batsman who has made a big splash in the Big Bash League, has been drafted into the Aussie squad to replace Warner. Short has played international cricket but hasn't been able to pin down his place in the team. He gets another chance to make his case for a place in the team for shorter formats.
Apart from Warner, pacer Pat Cummins is also set to miss the last ODI against India, in his case to get some well-deserved rest before the key Test series. This match will be played on December 2 at Canberra. With the match being part of the ICC World Cup Super League, the match is more than a dead rubber. Warner, who got two fifties in the first two games, would have been a key player if fit.
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