Australian batsman Warner ruled out of Bangladesh tour

Melbourne, Sep 11 - Australian Test opener and newly-appointed vice-captain David Warner won't be part of the Bangladesh tour due to a fractured left thumb, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed on Friday.

Warner sustained the injury while batting at Lord’s in the second One-Day International against England on September 5.

"It's really disappointing. I never want to miss a match for Australia but I'll be doing everything I possibly can to get back as quickly as possible," left-hander Warner said in a statement.

The New South Welshman was reviewed by a hand specialist in Sydney yesterday (Thursday). Although he won’t require surgery it was determined that he will not recover in time for the tour but is expected to be fit for Australia’s home series against New Zealand in November, according to CA.

CA executive general manager of team performance Pat Howard said a thorough rehabilitation plan will be put in place for the powerful left-hander.

“David has been told that the fracture will take at least four weeks to stabilise and a further two weeks before he can start batting and catching again. He will be reviewed by the specialist at the end of the month to determine when he can resume playing," Howard said.

"Ideally we'd like him to play the Sheffield Shield round beginning on October 27 as preparation for the New Zealand series. In the meantime he will begin a modified gym program in Sydney. He is naturally disappointed to be missing a Test tour, particularly his first as vice-captain of the Australian team.

"When the selectors meet over the coming days to choose the squad for Bangladesh, they will be asked to nominate a vice-captain for that tour."

(IANS)