David Warner to miss last T20I match against New Zealand due to injury

Australia batter David is set to miss the last T20I match against New Zealand in Auckland. He is ruled out due to an adductor finger injury. But it seems that his injury is not major and he is expected to back ahead of IPL 2024. For the second T20I game on Friday, he was rested due to the use of rotation policy which is used by Australia in the whole series.

"Warner will require a brief recovery period which is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League leading into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," a CA statement said.

David Warner's recovery time is seven to ten days only. This match was Warner’s last bilateral match for Australia as he is going to retire after the T20 World Cup in June. In the first T20I match against New Zealand, he scored 32 runs from 20 balls. He was booed by the crowd for his behaviour in the 2016 tour.

Steven Smith has a chance to lock his place in T20 World Cup squad

As Warner will miss the match, Steven Smith has a chance to lock his place in the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He has been struggling to find his form in the opener role. Even though getting chances he won’t be a part of starting XI for Australia. As David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Travis Head will take on the top three spots.

While all-rounder Matt Short who failed to score with bat and take wicket with ball will get another chance. As per reports, Matthew Wade will be captain for the last T20I as Mitchell Marsh will be rested. While bowlers Jos Hazlewood and Pat Cummins will also be rested as Spencer Johnson and Mitchell Starc will take their place for the match.