India vs Australia | Justin Langer hopeful of David Warner's return for Sydney Test

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Melbourne, December 24: Australia coach Justin Langer is hopeful that star batsman David Warner could be available for the third Test against India in Sydney. The third Test between the two sides will be played from January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Langer has kept his "fingers crossed" over Warner's availability.

Warner was ruled out of the Boxing Day Test on Wednesday (December 23). The left-handed batsman has not fully recovered from a groin injury suffered in the ODI series against India.

Warner will rejoin the Australia squad ahead of the third Test, Cricket Australia said on Wednesday but coach Langer wants him to be fully fit before he plays the third match.

"I am very hopeful, he batted really well in the Test yesterday. He is moving well and as enthusiastic as ever. He has got so much energy and passion for the game so. And for the last week or so he is doing everything possible to get back onto the ground," said Langer.

"Fingers crossed he has slight trouble when he starts running at full speed. When he gets back that confidence off course he will back in the team. We are monitoring him regularly and just fingers crossed if he backs and everyone loves watching him play cricket, so it's also for the entertainment of the fans," Langer added.

Meanwhile, bowler Sean Abbott will also not be available for the Boxing Day Test. He has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A's tour match against India but Cricket Australia's bio-security protocols do not allow him to rejoin the squad in time for the Boxing Day Test as he spent time in Sydney outside the team's bio-secure hub to recover from injury.

India stumbled to an eight-wicket loss in the first Test of the series. Both sides will now take on each other in the Boxing Day Test, beginning December 26.