Follow UsAustralian opener David Warner has been ruled out of the third and final T20I against New Zealand, to be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday (February 25), due to an adductor injury but is likely to recover before the start of the Indian Premier League.
"Warner will require a brief recovery period which is not expected to affect his availability for the upcoming Indian Premier League leading into to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," a CA statement said.
The left-hander smashed 32 off 20 in the first T20I in Wellington but missed the second encounter. In his absence, Steven Smith opened the innings alongside Travis Head and will continue to do so in the third T20I.
There’s also a possibility of Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood being rested for the final game ahead of the Test series, with Matthew Wade leading the side.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will also be without Devon Conway who sustained a thumb injury while keeping in the first innings of the second T20I and couldn’t even bat. Tim Seifert has been brought in as his replacement.
The Black Caps, who have already conceded the series 2-0, will also have the services of fast bowler Jacob Duffy. Rachin Ravindra, who missed the second T20I due to a left knee injury, will be monitored over the next 24 hours and only then will a call be taken regarding his availability.