Big Bash League: Sydney Thunder captain David Warner battling knee injury

Sydney Thunder captain David Warner is battling with a knee injury and could miss the club’s final home clash of the season against Melbourne Renegades.

The 39-year-old has been named in the last-placed side’s squad for Monday’s clash, but is no certainty to play after failing to take to the field after batting against Brisbane Heat.

Warner became the competition’s second leading run scorer with 82 runs from 56 balls on Saturday before being run out.

However, it could cost the Thunder their skipper. He is expected to be given right up until the toss to prove his fitness.

Warner has been a shining light in a dismal campaign for last year’s runners-up, who sit dead last in the BBL with just a solitary victory from eight matches.

The opener’s injury could prove a lifeline for young gun Sam Konstas, who was dropped for the Heat clash at the Gabba.

Konstas has scored 127 runs at 18.14 with a poor strike rate of 110.43.

However, Konstas was considered good enough for Warner to start the tournament batting below him despite having played his entire decorated career as an opener.

Warner’s own start to the campaign was poor, with 34 runs across his first four innings.

But he’s been untouchable since, crashing a remarkable unbeaten 130 against the reigning champions Hobart Hurricanes before 67 not out against Adelaide Strikers, leading into the Brisbane clash.

Even if the Thunder win their last two games against the Renegades and Sydney Sixers, they won’t be able to make finals.

Thunder’s return to Engie Stadium will see players wear their new First Nations kit, designed by Rheanna Lotter, a Western Sydney-based Yuin artist, in collaboration with WBBL players Hannah Darlington (Kamilaroi) and Anika Learoyd (Gumbaynggir).