David Warner sparks fresh concerns after missing second ODI against India

Aussie opener David Warner's return to international cricket was yet again put on hold after he was left out of the Aussie XI for the second ODI due to a fresh injury. Warner returned to India ahead of the ODI series after he was sent home for a fractured elbow suffered in the second Test match of the Border-Gavaskar series.

The 36-year-old returned for the three-match ODI series, but was left out of Australia's opening game loss because he hadn't recovered in time. However, in a fresh twist, Warner was left out of the second match on Sunday after suffering a corked quad ahead of the clash.

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Warner attempted to be fit in time, but his absence meant Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head opened the batting again. The veteran's return could be in doubt for the third and final match in Chennai on Wednesday.

Warner hasn't played since serious questions have been asked about his selection for the International Test Championship later this year, against India, at The Oval. Australia then start their Ashes campaign against England only a week later.

The veteran batter has not been in good form over the last 18 months and his history in England doesn't bode well. Australia also missed Glenn Maxwell as the allrounder continues his staggered return from a broken left fibula.

Maxwell made eight runs and bowled two overs in the first match, but continues his recovery to get back to full fitness ahead of the World Cup later this year. Despite missing the opener Australia cruised to a second match victory after Mitchell Starc led the way with the ball, while stand-in captain Steve Smith produced some magic in the field.

Mitchell Starc blitz help Australia defeat India

India were dismissed for just 117 in 26 overs, which was easily chased down after some more Marsh dominance. The Western Australian cracked six sixes and six fours on the way to posting 66 not out off 36 balls, with Head (51 not out off 30 balls) a handy ally.

Australia reached the victory target in just 11 overs, meaning it became their third largest ODI victory in terms of overs to spare. The Australian record remains the 42.1 overs they had to spare in a nine-wicket win over the USA in Southampton in 2004, when the victory target was just 66.

Sunday's result levelled the three-match series at 1-1 heading into Wednesday's finale in Chennai. Smith reserved special praise for his bowlers after admitting it was a strange game.

"It was a quick one - 37 overs for the game, you don't see that too often," stand-in captain Smith said after the match. "I thought our bowlers were outstanding. Mitchell Starc in particular with the new ball, swinging it back down the line."

Smith was also at the centre of some brilliance during the match after an incredible diving catch to his right. Off the bowling of Sean Abbott, Smith stole the show with a remarkable catch to dismiss Hardik Pandya.

Sanjay Manjrekar suggested in commentary that Smith's grab could be the “catch of the century”, with former Aussie captain Aaron Finch responding: “It’s not far off." Finch added: “An absolute blinder from Steve Smith. Who needs three slips when you’ve got Steve Smith standing there?"

Starc, the man-of-the-match, said: "I feel like my rhythm has been quite good for a few weeks now. And the last couple of nights I've got the ball to shape in the air and do a little bit off the wicket. It's feeling in a good place, and hopefully it will continue."

with AAP

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