Friday 11 September 2015 09:04, UK
Australia opener David Warner will have to sit out next month's two-Test series in Bangladesh due to a fractured left thumb.
The Aussies will therefore have to blood a brand new opening partnership because Chris Rogers, who partnered Warner in the recent Ashes series, has retired.
Warner was recently named vice-captain under new skipper Steve Smith but injured his finger when he was hit by a lifting delivery from Steven Finn during the second one-day international against England last week.
The injury does not require surgery but the 28-year-old will have to miss the Tests in Chittagong and Mirpur.
Warner said: "It's really disappointing. I never want to miss a match for Australia but I'll be doing everything I possibly can to get back as quickly as possible."
Cricket Australia are hopeful the dynamic left-hander will be fit for the home series against New Zealand and the first Test starts in Brisbane on 5 November.
Pat Howard, Cricket Australia's executive general manager of team performance, said: "David has been told that the fracture will take at least four weeks to stabilise and a further two weeks before he can start batting and catching again.
"He will be reviewed by the specialist at the end of the month to determine when he can resume playing.
"Ideally, we'd like him to play the Sheffield Shield round beginning on 27 October as preparation for the New Zealand series.
It's really disappointing. I never want to miss a match for Australia but I'll be doing everything I possibly can to get back as quickly as possible.
"He is naturally disappointed to be missing a Test tour, particularly his first as vice-captain of the Australian team.
"When the selectors meet over the coming days to choose the squad for Bangladesh, they will be asked to nominate a vice-captain for that tour."
In the absence of Warner, Rogers and Shane Watson, who has also retired, Australia are short of experienced openers for the Bangladesh Tests.
Joe Burns, who played two Tests against India in the middle order last season, the uncapped Cameron Bancroft, and 18-Test veteran Ed Cowan are possible contenders.
