The all-rounder sustained an abdominal strain in the final ODI. Coach Andrew McDonald said Green is unlikely to bowl in the series.
Cameron Green will miss Australia’s first Test against South Africa with an abdominal strain, coach Andrew McDonald said in Durban. Green sustained the injury in last week’s final ODI. The International Cricket Council also confirmed he would miss the first of three Tests, with the Durban match beginning on October 9.
McDonald said Green was progressing in his recovery and that Australia remained hopeful he could play later in the series. The team will focus on returning him as a batter. A return to bowling is considered highly unlikely because of a recent shoulder problem and the risk of increasing his workload too quickly.
Green’s absence leaves Australia weighing Cooper Connolly against Nic Maddinson at No. 5, with Travis Head expected to continue opening and Alex Carey at No. 6. Maddinson has not played a Test for Australia since 2016; he was added to the squad after Josh Inglis fractured a finger.
A dry Kingsmead surface could influence the selection of spinners. Australia is considering Connolly and Matt Kuhnemann, although playing a second frontline spinner and leaving out one of the quicks appear unlikely. Green’s injury also improves Beau Webster’s chances of keeping his place as a fourth seamer.