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Warner set to return from broken thumb

Australia opener David Warner says he will play for NSW in next week's Sheffield Shield clash, which will serve as a fitness test for the first Test.

David Warner of Australia strikes the ball
Australia opener David Warner says he will play for NSW in their Sheffield Shield opener. (AAP)

David Warner says he will return to playing cricket in next week's season-opening Sheffield Shield round after recovering from a broken thumb.

Warner has been on restricted duties since September 5, when he was struck by England paceman Steven Finn in an ODI at Lord's.

Australia's vice-captain started batting in the nets recently, having been unable to take part in the domestic one-day tournament due to his injury.

The pugnacious opener used social media on Thursday to declare he would be fit for NSW's clash with South Australia in Adelaide, which starts on Wednesday.

"Pumped to get out there next week and play for the Blues," Warner posted on Instagram.

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"Really looking forward to the pink ball Shield round. Hopefully we can get off to a good start for the season and also put on a good game for the people who come out and watch."

The upcoming trans-Tasman Test series starts on November 5 in Brisbane.

National coach Darren Lehmann suggested last week that Warner would almost certainly need to play for NSW to prove his fitness for the first Test.

"I'm pretty sure he'd have to play," Lehmann said.

"If he's not going to play that he's probably not going to be fit enough (for the first Test).

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it but all signs are he's going to play."

Australia's Test stars are all expected to play Shield cricket next week, when a pink ball will be used at Adelaide Oval, the MCG and Bellerive.

The third clash between New Zealand and Australia, which starts on November 27 at Adelaide Oval, will be the inaugural day-night Test.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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