Warner confident of being fit for first Ashes Test

David Warner is confident that he will be fit to take his place in Australia’s team for the first Ashes Test after an injury scare in training in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Opening batsman Warner, the home side’s vice-captain, injured his neck in a fielding drill and did not take a full part in a batting session in the nets later in day.

He received treatment from Australia physio David Beakley but the left-handed batsman is hoping it will settle down in the next 24 hours so he can take his place in the team for the opening Test at the GABBA starting on Thursday.

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Warner said: “My neck is quite stiff. I took a high ball out there and something just twinged in my neck. I’m getting a bit of physio treatment at the moment and hopefully it’s settled down over the next 24 or 48 hours.

“I’ll try and have a hit tomorrow at some stage. I might have to work on my technique a little bit more, facing up. It’s quite sore. I haven’t really had a stiff neck like this one.

“I’ll get some treatment tonight, and get some heat packs on there and get some fingers into it and hopefully it’s better tomorrow.

“I don’t think a sore neck is going to keep me out.”

If Warner is not fit to play it will be a massive blow to the Aussies as he, along with captain Steve Smith, is one of the best batsmen in the team.

Warner will also have a new opening partner in the first Test after the uncapped Cameron Bancroft was drafted into the side with Matt Renshaw being dropped due to a lack of runs.