Wobbly Warner ‘will play’

A STOMACH bug continues to affect David Warner but the Australian vice-captain is expected to play in today’s oneday international series opener against England.

Warner briefly walked laps at the MCG yesterday but did not bat in the nets or take part in fielding drills, having fallen ill upon his arrival in Melbourne on Thursday.

Captain Steve Smith later said that while Australia’s XI was yet to be settled, Warner should be fine to play.

“I think he’s OK,” Smith said. “He was having a bit of a gastro issue yesterday. He turned up here today and I think he walked the oval a few times. He said he’ll be fine, so I don’t think there’ll be any trouble there.”

Smith confirmed Josh Hazlewood would be rested but was tight-lipped on who would replace him from uncapped West Australian quicks Jhye Richardson and Andrew Tye.

With Smith, Warner and Aaron Finch anchoring the top-order, Travis Head is set to bat at No.4.

That is likely to leave Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Marsh and Cameron White to compete for two remaining spots in a middle order that Smith identified as a key area of focus.