CHENNAI - The suspense over David Warner's availability for the first Test against India ended today with Australia naming him in the playing XI, which will also see all-rounder Moises Henriques making his debut in baggy green.
The announcement for the February 22-26 match followed days of speculation over the availability of the big-hitting opener who was recovering from a thumb injury. He is now preparing to bat with a splint.
Warner had on Tuesday said he was confident of recovering from the injury before the start of first match. "I'm confident of playing the first Test. I caught about 50 per cent (balls during practice) and there was a slight pain. And I would be using a guard to protect my thumb in the Tests," Warner had said.
Portuguese-born all-rounder Henriques is line for a Test debut ahead of another uncapped player Glenn Maxwell, who has been named the 12th man. Speedster James Pattinson, whose summer was cut short by a side injury, has been recalled as the third fast bowler alongside Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle.
Team: Michael Clarke (Capt), Ed Cowan, Moises Henriques, Phil Hughes, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.