Pretty sure that David Warner will come through: Mickey Arthur

The suspense over David Warner's availability for the first cricket Test against India has not yet ended but Australian coach Mickey Arthur is "pretty sure" that the explosive opener will come through fit for the match starting here on Friday.

Warner did not play any of the two practice matches that concluded here due to a thumb injury and there are significant concerns about whether he would play in the opening Test.

"We just want to see how Davey Warner comes up over the next day or two. It's critical that he trains well over the next day or two to play. I'm pretty sure and confident he'll come through but he hasn't faced any quicks yet," Arthur said ahead of Australia's training session here today.

"He's been doing a lot of batting against spin which has been fantastic. He hasn't faced pace bowling - that's the only concern - but he ticks that box today," he added.

If Warner fails the fitness test, all-rounder Shane Watson is likely to be promoted to the opener's slot to partner Ed Cowan.

Arthur was all praise for Cowan, who made scores of 58, 40 and 53 in the two practice games.

"Ed has come out of these practice games with his head held high. He's had a good method against the spin and he's played exceptionally well. (Opening with Watson and Warner) would be a tough call but that's something we have to only weigh up once Davey Warner is fit or not fit," he said.

Arthur said being a seasoned campaigner, Watson would be needed in the middle-order, which is relatively inexperienced.

"I think Watto's a class player so wherever Watto fits in I think he adds value," Arthur said.

"Potentially through the middle is going to be a real tough time to bat, so you want your most seasoned campaigners in that area. We've got to look again and see what we think is going to be the best possible way of winning."

... contd.

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