Paine hints Warner may play third Test against India

Australia captain Tim Paine on Tuesday hinted that opener David Warner could play the third Test against India, while the young Will Pucovski is also not far from returning to competitive cricket.

Paine said Warner's recovery is on track and there is a strong possibility of him featuring in the third Test, which is scheduled to start in Sydney from January 7.

"David looks very good. He has started running between the wickets, so early signs with him very good for the third Test, which is awesome for us," Paine said on Tuesday after Australia lost the second Test by eight wickets in Melbourne.

"Pucovski is not far away to return to play. He is pretty close to return," he added.

Warner missed the first two Tests and the preceding three T20 Internationals as well as one ODI game against India due to a groin injury. He sustained the injury during the second ODI.

His return would lend solidity to the Australian top-order as Joe Burns has not been consistent though he scored a half-century in the second innings of the Adelaide Test.

If Pucovski is also cleared to play, it will be interesting to see whether he will be asked to open alongside Warner or if the hosts persist with Burns.

The 22-year-old Pucovski was tipped to make his Test debut in the first day-night match in Adelaide but he was ruled out after getting hit on his helmet during the warm-up game.