Australia opener David Warner ruled out of Bangladesh tests

Sydney: Australia will be forced to blood an entirely new opening partnership in Bangladesh next month after David Warner was ruled out of the two-test series with a broken finger on Friday.

Warner, whose opening partner Chris Rogers retired after the recent Ashes defeat, sustained the injury in a one-dayer against England last week and a hand specialist in Sydney has confirmed he will not be fit to make the trip.

"It`s really disappointing," said Warner, who was recently appointed vice captain under new skipper Steve Smith.

"I never want to miss a match for Australia but I`ll be doing everything I possibly can to get back as quickly as possible."

The 28-year-old is, however, expected to be ready to face New Zealand in the three-match series on home soil in November, which includes the first ever day/night test at the Adelaide Oval.

"David has been told that the fracture will take at least four weeks to stabilise and a further two weeks before he can start batting and catching again," said Cricket Australia`s Pat Howard.

"He will be reviewed by the specialist at the end of the month to determine when he can resume playing. Ideally we`d like him to play the Sheffield Shield round beginning on 27 October as preparation for the New Zealand series."

With the test retirement of all-rounder Shane Watson and the death of Phillip Hughes at the end of last year, Australia have a dearth of experienced openers at their disposal.

Joe Burns, who played two tests against India in the middle order last season, and the uncapped Cameron Bancroft are contenders, while 18-test veteran Ed Cowan has continued to score runs after being dropped for Rogers in 2013.

The trip to Bangladesh was always going to be a transitional series for Australia after the retirement of captain Michael Clarke, stalwart wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, Watson and Rogers. 

The tourists play a warm-up match in Fatullah on Oct. 3 before tests against Bangladesh in Chittagong (Oct. 9-13) and Mirpur (Oct. 17-21).