ICC World Cup 2019 | David Warner will open if he’s fit, says Justin Langer

Warner has been in scintillating form in recent times and certainly holds the key for Australia in the top-order. He finished the Indian Premier League as the highest run-scorer and is expected to replicate his magical performance in the World Cup as well. However, Warner missed the second warm-up game after suffering an injury in his right leg and is yet to recover fully. 

Langer has revealed that Warner will open the innings if he is fit and is giving his best to be available for the opening game. However, Australia will not want him to exert too much in the initial stages of the tournament and consider his participation only if he is fully fit.    

“He (Warner) was a bit sore on Wednesday. He’s just a bit sore in his right glute. He is desperate to play, he’d love to play like all 15 players would. He’s jumping out of his skin, his energy is up and he’s laughing a lot which is a good sign. He’s really keen but we’ve got to make sure he can move, particularly in the field. We’ve got to make sure we don’t aggravate it early in a long tournament. He will open the first game if he’s fit,” Langer said, reported PTI. 

If Warner is unavailable to make it to the team, Australia will have to make a call between Usman Khawaja for the opening spot alongside Aaron Finch. Australia were whitewashed in the series against England in their backyard almost a year back, which served as a wake-up call for the defending champions. The team has fared well in recent times and are one of the contenders going into the tournament.  

“Twelve months ago we came here and got beaten 5-0 by England. That was probably a wake-up call for where we were at. What I can say is I’ve been very proud of the progress of the players,” he said.