David Warner ‘ready to go’ despite injury concerns

Australia opener David Warner is keen to play in the second Test against England in Perth despite suffering a rib injury in last week’s Ashes opener.

The left-hander was twice struck in the ribs during his fine 94 in the first innings in Brisbane, but sat out Australia’s meagre chase of 20 in the second stanza following England’s collapse on day four at the Gabba.

Speaking to the media as the Ashes moves to Adelaide, first-Test centurion Travis Head revealed that Warner is not feeling significant discomfort from the injury and should be ready to play.

“I flew home with him a couple of days ago,” Head, who also didn’t bat in the second innings after a man-of-the-match performance in the first innings, said when asked about Warner.

“His family have come into Adelaide which was nice. And he felt like he was in a good space.

“Obviously he was a little bit sore, we didn’t take any risks with him only needing 20.

“He was going to bat but in the end our bowlers did a fantastic job to give him a day off.

“So I think for him it was just rest. I think he’s ready to go. So no issues for David.”

Should Warner miss out, it will be a significant blow to the hosts’ ambitions of taking control of the series, after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of the second and third Tests.

Hazlewood took three wickets in the first Test, but has a record of 32 wickets in day-night Tests – as would be the case come Thursday – at an average of under 20 runs per wicket.

England legends set for return

Meanwhile, England are expected to call on veteran opening bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson, after the pair was left out of the series opener.

Anderson was rested why Broad has been struggling with a calf injury and was overlooked in favour of spinner Jack Leach.

“Stuart has been great, to be honest. Obviously, he was disappointed not to be playing, as everybody is when they find out they are not playing,” England head coach Chris Silverwood said.

“But he understood that this is a long series and everybody is going to play a part at some stage.

“He is ready to do that now. We had good conversations with Stuart before any decisions were made, and he was 100 per cent on board.