Kangaroo hard-hitter and star opening batsman David Warner faces an uphill task to regain fitness ahead of the India-Australia Test series after he was sidelined for the remaining white ball series following his groin injury on Sunday.

David Warner will now miss Wednesday’s final ODI and the three-match T20 series against India and must undergo rehab in order to stage a quick recovery ahead of the Test Series culminating on December 17 in Adelaide.

The explosive Aussie southpaw was in scintillating form on Sunday as he smashed a gobsmackingly good knock of 83 that helped Australia beat rivals India to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match One-Day International series. 

Following his knock, Warner limped out of the Sydney stadium having sustained a groin while fielding for his Australia side. The 34-year-old fell awkwardly and had to be helped out of the field.

Opening batsman D’Arcy Short has been called up as a replacement for Warner in the upcoming T20 series.

Cricket Australia has also announced that ace pacer Pat Cummins will be rested for the remainder of white-ball matches against India, putting pressure on Mitchell Starc.

Head coach Justin Langer stated, “Pat and Davie are critical to our plans for the Test Series,” emphasising on the irreplaceable nature of the two seasoned campaigners.

The former Australian opener Langer added, “Davie will work through his injury rehab and in Pat’s case it is important all of our players are managed well to keep them mentally and physically fit throughout what is a challenging summer.”

The 50-year-old added, “The priority for both is being fully prepared for one of the biggest and most important home Test Series we have played in recent years, especially with World Test Championship points up for grabs.”

Warner’s replacement Short, a shot paw who plays for Western Australia, was the leading run-scorer for his side in the 2017-18 and 2018-2019 Big Bash tournaments.

No replacement for Cummins has been announced yet, with Australia placing their bets on Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Marcus Stoinis to amp up the pace attack.

Australia will play four Tests against India, with the other matches in Melbourne beginning on Boxing Day, Sydney (January 7-11) and Brisbane (January 15-19).