David Warner's crucial Ashes breakthrough marred by sad reveal
A much-needed half-century from David Warner was an important breakthrough, but David Warner is playing through some serious pain.
David Warner broke through for some much needed Ashes runs on day one of the second Ashes Test at Lord's, but it could be coming at a price for the veteran opener. Warner's knock of 66 on day one easily surpassed his total contribution from Edgbaston, however the 36-year-old revealed a worrying injury carried over from Australia's triumph over India in the World Test Championship final.
Warner and Marnus Labuschagne (45) both rediscovered some form with the bat as Australia powered to 5/339 on day one, with Cameron Green's duck the only major complaint. Steve Smith (85) and Alex Carey (11) will resume at the crease on day two.
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While a steadier contribution from Australia's top order was a welcome sight, a cloud will hang over Warner for the third Test after he revealed he has been battling a bruised finger on his left hand, courtesy of a Mohammed Shami delivery in the WTC final. Another knock in the nets in the lead-up to the second Ashes Test as well as an existing stone bruise on his left thumb have left the veteran in a world of discomfort at the crease.
His form has been steadily gaining momentum, with his first innings knock his first half-century since announcing he would retire from Test cricket after the SCG Test at the end of this year. He notched 43 in Australia's first innings against India, before adding 36 in Australia's second innings run-chase at Edgbaston.
"It's copped a battering the last two games, and in the nets," Warner said of his left hand. "It's little bit sore at the moment, bit of a bruise but I'll just see how we go after the game and I think we'll examine it then.
"At the moment it's quite tender. Initially it was more in the palm. I've got a hotspot on where my thumb is. Then every time the ball hits the bat, it just jars.
"I've had my hand in an ice bucket all afternoon so we'll just play by ear and we'll assess it after the game."
David Warner feels something 'special' building in Ashes
Warner said he has felt different heading into this Ashes series, saying that in both the aforementioned innings he could feel something 'special' building. He entered the series under immense pressure to hold his spot, particularly in light of his disastrous 2019 Ashes campaign in England, in which he averaged less than 10 runs.
Australia's officials are confident Warner is not at risk of missing any matches, with a short turnaround between Lord's, which is due to finish on Sunday, and the Headingley Test starting Thursday.
"I've felt in total control the last six to eight months with where my game is," Warner said. "I'm moving into the ball, my feet are moving.
"It's not just playing with my hands. The odd one I will play at with my hands when I'm out there, that's just natural.
"I felt like I was onto something special in the World Test Championship final. And then last game, same thing.
"I feel like everything I'm putting in in the nets is actually coming out there in the middle. I'm excited by it and I think if I can keep getting myself in and keep that momentum going with my feet, a big one could be around the corner."
With AAP
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