David Warner battling to be fit for New Zealand Tests

While the new-look side may be short on Test experience, Warner believes there’s a healthy mix to ensure the younger players are guided through the early stages of their career.

Selector Mark Waugh indicated last week that the anticipated returns of Warner, Johnson and Hazlewood for the New Zealand series would squeeze out a few players selected for the Bangladesh tour.

The Australian is concerned that he will be lacking match fitness when the Test series with the Kiwis starts next month, admitting he is anxious about fielding with his bare hand.

Warner revealed on Tuesday his last X-ray 11 days ago showed the thumb was still broken, but he’d been told that was quite normal.

Lehmann said playing just the one Shield match would be enough for Warner to prove he’s ready for the first Test.

“A lot of the guys that are going to be picked aren’t too experienced, but there are a lot of guys who will help them along the way”, he said.

“I’m excited for Steve to lead this new era of players”, said Warner. “I would love to have a hit against the pink ball especially”, said Warner.

“But my goal is to play that Shield game, I want to play that Shield game to have a hit because I don’t think I’ll be able to get out here and play any of the last couple of games for the Matador Cup”.

“I’ll have a follow up X-ray this Friday and then if all goes well I’ll be having a hit (in the nets) on Monday”. “He’s played a lot of cricket anyway”, Lehmann said.

A number of relatively inexperienced and uncapped players were chosen for the ultimately cancelled two-Test tour to Bangladesh, but now have to stake their claim again in the interstate one-day competition.

The state of Warner’s thumb is an unwanted complication for the national selectors as they deliberate over who will be his next long-term opening partner following the retirement of Chris Rogers. The camp will involve centre wicket and net practice across both days, Cricket Australia said.

“I think it will come down to when I have to catch a ball when I’ll be a little bit hesitant. That’s getting it right with the bat first and then we’ll worry about the fielding and catching later”, he added.

The Australian selectors have named a 19-man squad to take part in a red-ball camp in Hurstville to prepare the players for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.