David Warner refused to get an X-ray on injured thumb in fear of being ruled out of Boxing Day Test

Australia star David Warner has not really managed to continue his fine form in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. The left-handed batsman started the ongoing home summer with his maiden T20I century before taking his form to a different level altogether in the Test series against Pakistan. After slamming 154 in the Brisbane Test, Warner scored his maiden triple century in the next game at Adelaide Oval.

However, he has not managed to bat in the same manner against New Zealand. In the first Test in Perth, he was out for 43 and 19 although Australia made light work of the visitors to take the lead in the three-match series. In the ongoing game in Melbourne, he was out for 41 in the first innings. And it has now been revealed that Warner was not completely fit for the on-going Test.

The star opener refused a scan on his injured left hand, fearing it would rule him out of the Boxing Day Test. Warner was doubtful for the clash after being struck on his left thumb while batting in the nets on Monday. The left-hander had the sore spot strapped for further training sessions but went on to play the game.

And Warner recently revealed that he played through the pain barrier. “Once adrenaline kicks in you don’t feel anything,” Warner told SEN Cricket on Friday. “Scans and X-rays only rule you out, they don’t rule you in, so there was no chance in the world I was going for an X-ray,” he added.

Australia on top in Boxing Day Test

Talking about the Test, Australia have finished their first innings on a huge total of 467. After Marnus Labuschagne (63) and Steve Smith (85) set the platform for the big total with fifties at the top of the order, Travis Head and Tim Paine fully capitalised on it. While Head went on to score a fine ton, Paine played a stroke-filled knock of 79.

For New Zealand, Neil Wagner was the pick of the bowlers, picking up 4 wickets. Tim Southee also impressed and finished the first innings with three wickets while comeback man Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme picked up 1 and 2 wickets respectively.

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