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Warner says he's still hampered by neck

Australia's opener battling on but concedes he is still suffering with twinged neck muscle issue

Australia opener David Warner has conceded he is still being hampered by the neck injury he picked up in a training drill two days out from the first Magellan Ashes Test match.

Australia entered the Test with their expected XI despite Warner and Shaun Marsh (back) being under a cloud on match eve.

During a rain break that delayed the start of the second session in Brisbane, Warner told Wide World of Sports' Ian Healy he was still in pain but was "good to go".


"It's literally a pain in the neck but I was always going to be up for it, a few painkillers here and there, but I'm out here now and I'm roaring," Warner said.

"I've chased a few to the boundary, which hasn't helped.

"But a bit of adrenaline, a few drugs in the system and it's good to go."

Australia's opener added he was "trying not to look up" as teammates threw him the ball at mid-off on its way back to the bowler, before adding the injury was still making it "quite hard" to bat in the nets.

Cook becomes first victim of Ashes summer

"It was a bit bizarre. I've never really had a stiff neck. It's sort of gone down the spine per se but it is quite hard getting out there in the nets and trying to face up.

"I've got the old Shiv Chanderpul and the JL (Justin Langer) front-on look at the moment.

"But look, I'm looking forward to getting out there and facing the challenge that's for sure."

Warner confident for first Test after neck injury

Warner later underlined how the injury was not impacting his play, with a brilliant diving stop from mid-off to save a boundary off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.

Warner added that Marsh's back injury had taken the playing group by surprise but said the recalled veteran was "ready to go".

"We didn't know until it (news of the injury) got out," Warner said.

"He's obviously had a bit of a history there. He said he's ready to go, I think he's had a jab and he doesn't look as stiff today."

2017-18 International Fixtures:

Magellan Ashes Series

First Test Gabba, November 23-27. Buy tickets

Second Test Adelaide Oval, December 2-6 (Day-Night). Buy tickets

Third Test WACA Ground, December 14-18. Buy tickets

Fourth Test MCG, December 26-30. Buy tickets

Fifth Test SCG, January 4-8 (Pink Test). Buy tickets

Gillette ODI Series v England

First ODI MCG, January 14. Buy tickets

Second ODI Gabba, January 19. Buy tickets

Third ODI SCG, January 21. Buy tickets

Fourth ODI Adelaide Oval, January 26. Buy tickets

Fifth ODI Perth TBC, January 28. Join the ACF

Prime Minister's XI

PM's XI v England Manuka Oval, February 2. Buy tickets

Gillette T20 INTL Series

First T20I Australia v NZ, SCG, February 3. Buy tickets

Second T20I – Australia v England, Blundstone Arena, February 7. Buy tickets

Third T20I – Australia v England, MCG, February 10. Buy tickets

Fourth T20I – NZ v England, Wellington, February 13

Fifth T20I – NZ v Australia, Eden Park, February 16

Sixth T20I – NZ v England, Seddon Park, February 18

Final – TBC, Eden Park, February 21