Cameron Green ruled out of first Test against South Africa with abdominal strain
Green sustained the abdominal strain during the third ODI and will miss the Durban Test; bowling remains unlikely for the series.
Cameron Green will miss Australia's first Test against South Africa after failing to recover from an abdominal strain. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the decision on Tuesday in Durban, saying the all-rounder will not bowl in the series and faces an uncertain timeline for a return as a batter only.
Green sustained the injury during the third ODI in Potchefstroom last week when struck by a full toss from Corbin Bosch. He had already been managing a shoulder issue that prevented him from bowling in the white-ball series. McDonald said the risk of returning as a bowler was too high, and the team would focus solely on his batting fitness.
Nic Maddinson, who last played a Test in 2016, and Sam Harper are in the squad as potential replacements at No 5. Marnus Labuschagne returned to form with a century in the tour match last week.
CricHubb Take
The timing leaves Australia short an all-rounder option in conditions that may turn later, forcing selectors to choose between experience and a potential debutant before the series starts.