Warner fractures thumb, doubtful for India tour

David Warner walks from the nets after being struck on the left hand by Mitchell Johnson during an Australian One Day International training session at WACA on January 30, 2013 in Perth

Melbourne - Australian opener David Warner‘s participation in next month’s tour to India remains under cloud after he suffered a minor left thumb fracture on Wednesday that ruled him out of the first two ODIs against the West Indies.

Cricket Australia (CA) physiotherapist Kevin Sims said: “David Warner was struck on the left thumb by Mitchell Johnson in the nets. While the fracture is very minor, it is not worth taking any risks. The injury will keep him out of at least the next two Commonwealth Bank Series matches against West Indies. We’ll assess how he is progressing after that to determine his availability for the remainder of the series.”

Warner got injured by Mitchell Johnson while batting in the WACA Ground nets in the afternoon in Perth.

The selection panel announced that Usman Khawaja will replace David Warner in the squad for the first two matches against West Indies.

The team for the four-match Test series in India will be announced on Thursday and a stand-by for Warner is likely to be announced.

Openers George Bailey, David Hussey or Alex Doolan could be included as a stand-by for Warner.

Warner’s injury also means that Shane Watson could return to his preferred opening slot.

The first Test will be played in Chennai from Feb 22. Hyderabad (March 2-6), Mohali (March 14-18) and Delhi (March 22-26) will host the remaining three Tests.