Australian opener David Warner is expected to line up against England for the second Test of the Ashes series on Thursday in Adelaide.
The veteran batsman did not feature in the second innings of the Gabba Test following a blow to the ribs from English bowler Mark Wood, however in-form middle-order batsman Travis Head has revealed Warner is a strong chance to be named for the second Test.
Speaking to reporters, Head stated that Warner is "ready to go" after enjoying some required rest.ย ย ย Head said.
โI haven't been around the boys for a couple of days, but I flew home with him a couple of days ago, his family came to Adelaide which is nice, and he felt like he was in a good space," Head said.
โObviously he's a little bit sore. We didn't take any risks with him.
โHe was going to bat, but in the end our bowlers did a fantastic job to give him a day off. I think for him it's just rest.
โI think he's ready to go, so no issues with David.โ
Should Warner fail to reach match fitness ahead of the Test, Queensland batsman Usman Khawaja frames as the likely option to be his successor.
Khawaja has joined Australia's 14-man squad in South Australia, with a spot against England sure to be his best chance of impressing selectors.
Australia has already been forced into one change for the Adelaide Test, with fast bowler Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the match.
Hazlewood's absence is likely to be filled by Western Australian Jhye Richardson, with Michael Neser also being considered.
Across the countering camp, England are tipped to welcome back lethal duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad on Thursday, after the veteran pair were put on ice for the Brisbane Test.
