Warner ruled out of Boxing Day Test

Australian opener David Warner has been officially ruled out of the Boxing Day Test as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

All-rounder Sean Abbott has recovered from a calf injury sustained in the second tour match against India earlier this month, but has also been ruled out of the second Test, due to Cricket Australia's strict biosecurity protocols.

Warner and Abbott both left Sydney last Saturday to fly to Melbourne ahead of the Australia squad as the COVID19 outbreak developed in Sydney, where the pair were at home recuperating from their injuries outside the team's bio-secure hub.

While neither were in a designated COVID 'hotspot' identified by NSW Health authorities, CA's protocols do not allow them to rejoin the squad in time for the Test.

The pair will return to the Australia squad ahead of the third Test, but Warner's absence means Australia have firmed to take an unchanged XI into the second Test with Joe Burns and Matthew Wade continuing their makeshift opening combination after mixed results in the opening Test.

Will Pucovski had already been ruled out of the Boxing Day clash with the lingering effects of concussion after he suffered a blow to the helmet while batting for Australia A in a tour match against the Indians at Drummoyne Oval.

Warner injured his groin last month during the ODI series against India at the SCG, having failed to completely recover from the ailment as he continues his rehabilitation.

IMAGE: Outlook India