Cricket: Sore thumb won't keep Warner out of Boxing Day test

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 20: David Warner of Australia injures his hand after the ball hit it during day four of the 2nd Test match between Australia and India at The Gabba on December 20, 2014

Opening batsman David Warner is adamant a sore thumb will not keep him out of the Australian cricket team for the Boxing Day Test against India.

Australia will start their preparations with a training session ahead of Friday's opening day at the MCG.

The home side lead the four-Test series 2-0, but have had to handle a significant injury toll. Captain Michael Clarke has had hamstring surgery and Mitch Marsh will miss Melbourne with a hamstring injury.

Warner was also struck on the thumb while batting in the second innings.

"I will definitely be playing - I will be doing everything I can," he said when the team arrived in Melbourne on Monday.

"Obviously it's a bit painful, it's the one I broke before, but I'm not missing a Boxing Day Test, that's for sure."

Marsh's injury will mean a stunning Test debut for Queensland batsman Joe Burns.

Bulls coach Stuart Law has backed the 25-year-old to handle the immense pressure and predicts Burns will not take a backward step against India.

"In the conversations that we've had about playing for Australia I've told him that there's no point tapping on a window, you might as well bash down a door," Law said.

Law also wants Burns to bat as high as possible in the order.

"I'd really like to see him bat in the top three," Law said. "I'd hate to see him sitting around waiting to bat because he'd be a nervous wreck by the time he got in.

"He doesn't sit around and watch very well - he's up and walking around because he just wants to be out there playing cricket.

"I'd like to see him bat at No.3 instead of torturing the kid by sitting him in the dressing room on Boxing Day batting down at No.6."

- AAP