David Warner and Shane Watson have both returned to batting, if somewhat cautiously, during Australia’s Christmas Eve training session for the Boxing Day Test.

Warner received throwdowns from assistant coach Michael Di Venuto as he batted for the first time since hurting his thumb in the second Test win over India at the Gabba last week.

The aggressive opener was somewhat apprehensive early, immediately pulling his left hand off the bat after the first few strokes.

But Warner soon found his rhythm, driving and hooking with few signs of discomfort and then faced up some net bowling.

Watson, who was dazed when struck on the helmet by a bouncer on Tuesday, faced a bowling machine while having a hit in the indoor nets.

Shaun Marsh was struck on his left hand by a rising delivery from Josh Hazlewood during Wednesday’s MCG session.

The 31-year-old pulled off his glove and was assessed by team doctor Peter Brukner.

Marsh left the nets and headed to the changerooms alongside Brukner and physio Alex Kountouris.

But fears of another injury scare were allayed, with Marsh returning to the nets for some throwdowns from Di Venuto.