Live Update: Cameron Green missed the first Test against South Africa due to an abdominal strain. Cameron Green suffered an abdominal strain in the last ODI and did not take part in Australia’s warm-up match in Potchefstroom.
Cameron Green will miss the first Test against South Africa due to an abdominal strain (Source: Albert Perez – CA/Cricket Australia via ) An abdominal strain is likely to keep Australian all-rounder Cameron Green out of the first Test against South Africa, dealing another blow to the visitors ahead of the series opener. Green was injured while attemng a hook shot in the third ODI against South Africa last month. The game was dead but the 27-year-old has since worked against time to recover in time for the Test series.
However, Green did not take part in Australia’s two-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom and was only seen during light conditioning exercises outside the main training group. Although he has not been officially ruled out of the Kingsmead Test, there are signs Australia could consider a return for him in the second or third Test. The all-rounder also had a shoulder problem in the last three series which affected his bowling.
His recent abdominal problem could now impact his batting, bowling and fielding, causing another headache for the Australian selectors as they try to find their batting combination against South Africa’s formidable pace attack. Green recently scored a Test century in a loss to Bangladesh in Darwin and was one of Australia’s standout batsmen in the two-match series alongside Steve Smith. With Green potentially unavailable, his Western Australia teammate Cooper Connolly could be given a chance.
The spinning all-rounder is a firm contender for his second Test pearance after making his debut for Sri Lanka early last year. Australia also added wicketkeeper Sam Harper and 34-year-old Nic Maddinson to the squad last week to cover injuries. However, selecting Maddinson would be a bold move considering he has not played Test cricket in over a decade and has also not played red-ball cricket for 18 months.
Former Australia Test fast bowler Mitchell Johnson also questioned Maddinson’s inclusion. Writing for The West Australian, Johnson called the selection decision “difficult to justify”. “If Cam Green is unavailable, Matthew Renshaw or Cooper Connolly should remain ahead of Maddinson.
They have been included in the original squad and should have a clearer position in the selection order,” he wrote. Connolly’s chances could depend on the nature of the Kingsmead surface. Australia could wait until the pitch is announced before making a final decision, with the expectation of a friendly wicket in Durban potentially beneficial for both the left-arm spinner and his batting ability.
Green’s absence would also confirm Beau Webster’s place in Australia’s XI for the opening Test.
