India vs Australia: David Warner struggling to run at full speed, doubtful for 3rd Test return

David Warner's return for the third Test between India and Australia is still uncertain as the opening batsman is struggling to run at full speed, head coach Justin Langer confirmed on Thursday.

Warner, who suffered a groin injury during the limited-overs leg last month, missed the day-night Test and was earlier ruled out of the Boxing Day fixture as well.

Unless there is an unexpected injury in the next two days, Australia will field an unchanged XI in the second Test, which will start on Saturday in Melbourne.

In a virtual press conference, two days before the second Test, Langer was asked about Warner's return for the third Test. "We're very hopeful," the Australian head coach replied.

"He batted very well yesterday in the nets, he's moving well (and) he's as enthusiastic as ever. He's got so much energy and passion for the game and he'll be doing everything possible to get out onto the ground. He's having a bit of trouble running at full speed. When he gets back and feels confident with it, of course, he'll come back into our team.

We'll just monitor him, and fingers crossed he'll be back. We know how dynamic he is, there's no one more dynamic in the game with his running between the wickets and with the way he fields. He wants to make sure he's 100 per cent fit for that because he gets great energy personally and as a group, we get great energy out of that," added Langer.

With Warner missing out in the second Test, Australia's new opening pair of Matthew Wade and Joe Burns have got another chance to play at the top-order. Warner's return could see stand-in opener Wadr drop back to the middle-order in place of either Travis Head or Cameron Green. But, if Australia want Head and Green to continue at No. 5 and No. 6, the Tasmanian captain could altogether be dropped.

Burns, who is Warner's regular opening partner in Tests, registered an unbeaten 51 off 63 in the final innings to help Australia seal the Adelaide Test. If the Queenslander goes on to produce another significant in Melbourne, it could threaten Wade's position further in the team when Warner returns to full fitness.

The Australian head coach Langer acknowledged the fact that there would be additional pressure on the selectors when Warner recovers fully.

"That's all part of the journey of every individual player. You are literally under the pump every time you play for Australia. Every player is (and) that's how it should be. It's so healthy for Australian cricket. It's tough when you're in the top six batters because you've always got people knocking hard on your door to take your spot, so you've got to be on your toes all the time," added Langer in the press conference.

Australia are 1-0 up in the four-match series. After the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the third and the fourth Test are set to be played in Sydney (Jan. 7-11) and Brisbane (Jan. 15-19).