The much-awaited four-match Test series between India and Australia is all set to commence on December 17. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is with the visitors having won the last tour Down Under by 2-1 against the Tim Paine-led side. The hosts who have Steve Smith back in their side, unlike the last time, are eager to regain the prestigious trophy. But they are strangled with the injuries ahead of the opening Test in Adelaide.

Their ace opener David Warner limped off the field during the second ODI in Sydney after injuring his adductor muscle and has been ruled out of the first Test. He is expected to be fit in time for the Boxing Day Test to be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Warner himself admitted that he is not at his peak fitness at the moment and will need 10 more days to get back on the field.

Another talented batsman Will Pucovski who looked certain to play the first Test against India got injured during the first practice game against Australia A. He was deemed to open the innings with Joe Burns but got hit on the helmet on the final day off Kartik Tyagi. Pucovski walked off the field and suffered concussion later with Cricket Australia (CA) confirming recently that he has been ruled out of the Adelaide Test.

Cameron Green and Sean Abbott also uncertain for 1st Test

There was a chance for Cameron Green to play the first Test between India and Australia following his impressive century in the three-day warm-up against India A. But Jasprit Bumrah smacked one straight back at him as the ball hit on his head during the ongoing day-night warm-up game in Sydney. He was soon substituted out of the match with Patrick Rowe replacing him.

Another pacer Sean Abbott has been in and around Australia’s Test squad every now and then. He was also playing the day-night warm-up game against India. But he reported calf tightness during the second day’s play and didn’t take the field after Tea. There is still no update on his fitness and his availability for the Adelaide Test is not certain yet.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc is set to join the squad ahead of the opening Test which is a massive boost for the home side. He had left the team after the first T20I against India citing health issues back home.