Shaun Marsh joins David Warner in the injury list

In what has come as major blow to Australia, Shaun Marsh pulled out of the training due to stiff back on Wednesday. The left-hander was set to take up the number 6 slot for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane at the Gabba. But with less than 24 hours remaining for the match to begin, it remains to be seen if he recovers in time for the game. David Warner is also carrying a sore neck as things are not going well for the hosts as they aim to regain the urn.

Glenn Maxwell was called up as cover for the vice-captain Warner who is confident to get fit for the game. But the all-rounder now has a genuine chance to feature in his first home Test match as Marsh is suffering with his back. He has had back problems before and was ruled out of IPL in 2016 due to the same issue. Both the players will undergo further treatment on Wednesday night in order to get fully fit for the opening clash next morning.

Smith confident of Warner

Earlier in the day the skipper Steve Smith was confident of Warner getting fully fit when he announced the playing XI of the first Test match. But he might be now worried after the injury to Shaun Marsh which seems to be more serious. It is also being learnt that now Matt Renshaw has been kept on standby for Warner and Maxwell might play if the 34-year-old fails to recover.

David Warner had a 30-minute net session in the morning without a helmet and also looked in discomfort while playing some shots. But he ended his training with a couple of confident pull shots and fluent straight drives before returning back to the dressing room while speaking with the team doctor Richard Saw. It would be interesting to see now if the team management allows him to play with an injury or Renshaw gets a look in who was dropped following the poor form in the domestic season.

NEWS: Shaun Marsh has a back issue and is now a genuine chance to miss the first Test. Glenn Maxwell is on standby for him.

Matt Renshaw is now on standby for Davey Warner whose neck issue is minor and is likely to play.

— SB Tang (@sb_tang) November 22, 2017