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Sore Warner hits the nets

David Warner’s hopes of contesting the Ashes opener have risen, with the vice-captain recovering from a stiff neck to bat in the nets during Australia’s final session before the first Test.

Nov 22, 2017, updated Nov 22, 2017
David Warner during a nets session today. Photo: Jason O'Brien / PA Wire

David Warner during a nets session today. Photo: Jason O'Brien / PA Wire

Warner twinged his neck while taking a high catch at the Gabba yesterday morning.

The aggressive opener was in obvious discomfort when he attempted to bat on, lasting only two throwdowns before trudging off to the rooms for treatment.

Warner received treatment overnight and hit the nets this morning after a brief chat with team physio David Beakley.

It wasn’t exactly the most exacting session, with Warner batting in a hat and only facing throwdowns.

But Beakley and chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns, both interested onlookers, appeared largely satisfied with proceedings.

Warner started cautiously then started to ramp it up, hammering a couple of pull shots.

“I don’t think a sore neck is going to keep me out (of the Test),” Warner said yesterday.

It’s likely Warner will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness ahead of the first Test against England, beginning tomorrow.

In the event of the veteran being an enforced omission, Shaun Marsh would likely open alongside Cameron Bancroft with a newcomer drafted into the XI.

Glenn Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright would be among many batsmen in the mix for a recall.

“He’s fine. Maybe he slept wrong or something,” Usman Khawaja told radio station SEN late yesterday.

“It happens a lot in cricket actually, a little stiff neck. I’m sure he’ll be fine.”

-AAP 

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