David Warner has confirmed that he will return to cricket for New South Wales next week despite conceding that it could take up to nine months to fully recover from a groin injury.
Warner's summer was plagued by the injury picked up in the ODI series against India, ruling him out of the T20 series and the opening two Test matches.
Whilst he would return for the final two Tests, he was limited in his movement, scoring 67 runs at an average of 16.75.
Warner has been a notable absentee from domestic cricket after the end of the BBL, despite being named in Australia's touring party for their cancelled series against South Africa.
Speaking on Fox Cricket's coverage of the first T20 against New Zealand , Warner conceded that the injury could aggravate and affect him until the Ashes Tour in November.
“Next week I’ll be picking up throwing,” Warner said on Fox Cricket.
“(That was) very difficult the last couple of weeks, even trying to throw. Now it’s all about lateral (movement), running between the wickets.
“It’s just the tendon that has got that slight tear in it now.
"It’s going to aggravate me for the next six to nine months but I am sure the medicos will help me out there."
The 34-year-old clarified his comments on social media, confirming that he will line up for NSW against South Australia in the Marsh Cup on March 4.
"Just to clarify a comment I made on commentary last night, that my groin will need ongoing treatment and will have an annoying pain for at least 6-9 months," he said on social media.
"I am returning to play for NSW on the 4th March 2021 #horsesmouth."
Just to clarify a comment I made on commentary last night, that “My Groin”will need on going treatment and will have an annoying pain for at least 6-9 months. I am returning to play for NSW on the 4th March 2021 #horsesmouth
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) February 23, 2021
He also indicated that he will be fit for the upcoming IPL season in April, saying "I'll be fine" when asked about his availability via Instagram.
Warner was not named in their Sheffield Shield squad to face Victoria on Thursday, with Pat Cummins selected to return in place of Josh Hazlewood.