India vs Australia: Will David Warner play in 3rd Test? Captain Tim Paine ends the suspense

Australia captain Tim Paine confirmed that David Warner was going to be a part of their playing XI for the third Test against India, while he also hinted that the hosts could make more than one change for the crucial encounter at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Warner suffered a groin injury during the One-Day International (ODI) series between India and Australia and as a result, the explosive opening batter missed the Twenty20 International (ODI) series and the opening two Tests of the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy.

In a media conference on the eve of the New Year's Test in Sydney, Australian skipper Paine admitted that while they have drafted their playing XI, he won't be revealing it just as yet.

"We've got a team but we're just not releasing it at the moment. The boys are still training so we'll get through that first, unscathed and then we'll try to get a team out as quickly as we can after that. Obviously with David (Warner) playing and potentially more, there are some conversations that need to be had first. Davey's been awesome, he brings really high intensity and fills guys with confidence around him.

"He's a player that you love having on your side. He's always got plenty to say, really energetic, very professional and I've always loved playing. He's a player in this team guys love to have in the side, so he's made an instant impact with that energy and intensity that he brings," added Paine about Warner's return.

Along with Warner, 22-year-old Victorian batsman, Will Pucovski was also added to Australia's squad for the third Test. With Joe Burns been released following poor performances in the first two Tests, Warner could get his 12th opening partner in Pucovski in the longest format.

"Will's been fantastic as well. He's been out of the bubble for a couple of weeks, so he's excited, he's fresh and he's been batting really well in the nets and looks ready to go if he's called upon," Paine said further.

If Warner and Pucovski get the green light to claim the opening slots for the third Test, Australia's temporary opener Matthew Wade, who had opened with Burns in Adelaide and Melbourne matches, is expected to drop down to the middle-order, and that could lead to the benching of Travis Head.

The four-match Border Gavaskar Trophy is currently levelled at 1-1. After losing the opening game at the Adelaide Oval, Team India bounced back in style to seal the Boxing Day Test inside four days by eight wickets.