Warner in fitness race

Aussie Ashes plans may get thrown into disarray

SELECTORS could face another agonising decision if Australia’s most dangerous weapon David Warner fails to train today at the Gabba.

All eyes will be centred on Australia’s final net session this morning in Brisbane, with Warner fighting to shrug off severe neck pain and prove he’s ready to lead his side into Ashes battle.

Warner declared yesterday he would not be missing the first Test over a stiff neck, but much will depend on how he has responded to extensive physio treatment overnight and if he can pad up and bat in a crucial final hit-out.

The drama occurred yesterday when Warner took an overhead catch at training and felt his neck twinge, and he was later unable to bat.

Medical staff will be sweating on a quick turnaround, but it’s likely the world’s premier opener would be given until match morning to prove his fitness, so crucial is he to Australia’s fortunes.

Cricket Australia said last night no decision would be made on a potential standby player until they see how Warner pulls up this morning.

It took selectors more than two and a half hours to settle on the first Test squad last week, but it’s not out of the question they may be required to convene again today, with Hilton Cartwright and Glenn Maxwell to head the list of Plan B candidates should Warner remain in serious doubt on match eve.

If a worst-case scenario prevailed, Shaun Marsh would be expected to shift up to open alongside State teammate Cameron Bancroft, leaving No.6 as the vacancy that would need to be filled.

Warner is such an irreplaceable force that losing him from a Test would rival Glenn McGrath’s late withdrawal in 2005 on the Richter scale of Ashes disasters.

The game-breaking superstar has never missed a Test match through injury in his entire 66-Test career and is confident his body will come good.