David Warner may miss few ODIs against India

Aggressive opener David Warner is likely to miss the first two matches of the ODI series against India as he will be on paternity leave. The explosive left-hander smashed a century off just 82 deliveries on Thursday against a hapless West Indian attack at the SCG to close out the three-match Test series.

The absence of Warner will be felt by the world champions even though they have a powerful batting. Warner might not have the best record against India in ODIs having gone past the half-century mark only once in 7 ODIs but with him gone the Indian fast bowlers will breathe a much easier. Warner may be back to torment them for the last three ODIs after missing out on Perth and Brisbane.

It’s been a dream summer for Warner in Test cricket having scored four centuries, including a career-best 253, in six Tests against New Zealand and the West Indies. He’s scored 818 runs in all at an average of 90.88 and a strike-rate of 91.80. There had even been talks of Warner leading the side against India after there were talks of skipper Steven Smith taking a break to recover from his knee and hip niggles.

With Warner not around, Australia will have to find a partner for the fiery Aaron Finch. Shaun Marsh, who was a prolific run-scorer in the Test format this Australian summer, could be the front-runner to take over. Australia already has Smith, George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, the in-form Matthew Wade and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh to buoy the batting line-up.

Meanwhile, the Indian cricket team will get into the groove for the 5-match ODI series that will be followed by 3 T20Is by taking on Western Australian XI at the WACA for two practice matches on Friday and Saturday. While the first match tomorrow is slated to be a T20 affair, the second match scheduled the day after will be a 50-over warm-up game against the same opposition.