Ashes 2017-18: David Warner in doubt for Brisbane Test vs England

David Warner, who suffered a neck injury in the warm-up game on Tuesday, is in doubt for the Ashes 2017-18 opening Test in Brisbane but skipper Steve Smith has said the left-handed opener is confident of being fit.

Australia captain Steve Smith has confirmed that opening batsman David Warner is a doubt to play in the Ashes opener against England after suffering a neck strain but has backed him to be fit for the match starting in Brisbane on Thursday.

Steve Smith has expressed confidence that David Warner, who suffered a neck injury in the warm-ups, could be fit for the Ashes 2017-18 opener against England in Brisbane. (AFP)

Warner felt a twinge in his neck after going for a high catch during training at the Gabba on Tuesday but later eased fears about his fitness by batting in the nets.

Smith said the team were looking at a replacement to cover for Warner if he was unable to prove hit fitness in time.

“As I said, Davey’s confident that he’ll be OK,” Smith told reporters at the Gabba on Wednesday. “There’s a good chance someone will be on cover but I’m not sure who at this stage. He’s confident that he’ll be OK.”

Smith also confirmed the Australia pace trio line-up of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, meaning the 11 will be as expected barring Warner’s possible replacement.