NZ vs AUS 2024: David Warner ruled out of the final T20I with adductor injury

Ace Australian batter David Warner will miss the final T20I against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland as he is suffering with an adductor injury. He is anticipated to regain fitness ahead of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).

Warner was not part of the second encounter, where Australia triumphed with a 72-run victory. Notably, the southpaw will take seven-ten days to recover.             

"Warner will require a brief recovery period which is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League leading into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," a Cricket Australia statement said.

Also read: David Warner rides the nostalgic wave for farewell tour

In the opening T20I in Wellington, Warner scored 32 off 20 before the home crowd booed him as he went off the field. Notably, Warner had ruminated on the 2016 tour's crowd's behavior at the beginning of the tour.

The 37-year-old's career as a bilateral international player has come to an end as he will miss the final T20I against the hosts. He will officially retire from national duty after the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in June.

Warner's absence would almost ensure that Steve Smith plays at the top of the lineup once again. Smith struck 11 from 7 balls in the second T20I, including a ridiculous scoop for a maximum, but Lockie Ferguson had him pinned leg before wicket. Even if chosen, it's still improbable that Smith will start in the T20 World Cup XI with Warner, Travis Head, and Mitchell Marsh likely to be the top three. 

Also read: Mitchell Marsh confirms Australia's top-order for the 2024 T20 World Cup, no room for Steve Smith

Matt Short, who did not bat or bowl in the first match in Wellington, is likely to receive another opportunity. Marsh might be rested ahead of the forthcoming Test series, in which case wicketkeeper-batter Matthew Wade would captain the team. After playing in the first two games, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are also anticipated to miss the final game, and they might be replaced by left-arm pacers Spencer Johnson and Mitchell Starc.