Warner hopeful of overcoming groin injury

David Warner’s groin strain is the major concern for Australia as they prepare for the four-day game against Pakistan A starting on Wednesday.

Warner wore a pained look after taking a catch during Pakistan’s innings in Sunday’s third one-dayer in Abu Dhabi and limped off the field soon afterwards following a discussion with team physio Alex Kountouris.

However the in-form opener, who scored 128 runs at 42.66 in the three one-dayers against Pakistan, is confident he’ll be fit for the first Test in Dubai on October 22.

Test cricket’s No.5-ranked batsman wasn’t moving with his usual athletic gait at the team’s hotel in Sharjah on Monday afternoon and is set to miss the four-day game.

Back-up opener Phil Hughes could be an option to partner Chris Rogers against Pakistan’s new-ball attack if Warner is unavailable for the Dubai Test.

“No, not as yet. I’m all well and good to go,” Warner told Sydney radio’s Big Sports Breakfast when asked if he was in doubt for the Test match.

“I’ve just done something to my groin, but I’ll be okay.

“I’ll go and see Lex (Kountouris) tomorrow and hopefully it’s only a week thing.

“I’ve had it before. I had it about three or four years ago and it’s just like a tight strain so I’m in good hands here.”

Test skipper Michael Clarke is expected to play in the four-day game as he moves closer to regaining full fitness following a hamstring strain picked up during Australia’s one-day series in Zimbabwe in August-September.

“Clarke will be fine. He’ll play the tour game,” Australia coach Darren Lehmann said.

Lehmann said uncapped allrounder Mitchell Marsh, who suffered a hamstring strain on September 30, is also expected to play in Sharjah and has resumed bowling in the nets.

The form of Test players Steve Smith and Mitchell Johnson and back-up allrounder Glenn Maxwell in the one-dayers have also been major positives for the Australia side leading into the two-Test series.

Australia won the ODI series three-nil after Maxwell’s double-wicket maiden in the final over of Sunday’s match dismissed Pakistan for 230 chasing 232 for victory.

The series win pushes Australia back to the No.1 ranking, narrowly ahead of South Africa and India.

Australia had lost the top spot after a surprise defeat against Zimbabwe on August 31.

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING SCORERS IN ODI SERIES V PAKISTAN

* Steve Smith 190 at 63.33

* David Warner 128 at 42.66

* Glenn Maxwell 117 at 39.00

* James Faulkner 70 at 35.00

AND WHO STRUGGLED

* George Bailey 46 at 15.33

* Aaron Finch 32 at 10.66

* Phil Hughes 5 at 5.00

LEADING WICKET-TAKERS

* Mitchell Johnson 6 wickets at 10.66

* Glenn Maxwell 4 wickets at 22.25

* Kane Richardson 4 wickets at 25.25

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