Warner sick, rain disrupts

A WASHED-OUT training session and a David Warner stomach bug have threatened Australia’s preparations for tomorrow’s one-day international series-opener against England at the MCG.

Warner arrived in Melbourne on Thursday along with Steve Smith and other members of the Test squad.

The vice-captain fell ill and was absent from training yesterday, instead staying at the hotel to rest. Medical staff are confident Warner will be fine to play in the first of five ODIs.

Josh Hazlewood is set to be rested with uncapped West Australian quicks Jhye Richardson and Andrew Tye vying to replace him.

Pat Cummins will sit out the second ODI in Brisbane and Mitchell Starc is certain to also have a rest at some point.

The squad will have a longer than normal session today after rain denied them the chance to practice outdoors at the MCG yesterday.

Australia’s ODI form has been underwhelming over the past 18 months but all-rounder Marcus Stoinis said there were no concerns about the team’s preparation.

“The T20 boys trained yesterday. It was only half of us but we got a good hitout,” Stoinis said. “We train all year, every day, thinking about cricket and that sort of thing so hopefully missing a training session here and there isn’t a big deal.”

Stoinis is one of several middle-order options in a side anchored by Smith, Warner and Aaron Finch.

Cameron White appears all but certain to play after earning a shock recall to replace the injured Chris Lynn.