Cameron Green unlikely for first South Africa Test with abdominal strain
Cameron Green’s abdominal strain leaves Australia weighing Beau Webster’s dual role and a possible debut for Cooper Connolly at Kingsmead.
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green is unlikely to play the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead starting October 9. The abdominal strain he picked up in the third ODI last month has not healed and he did not feature in the warm-up match or train with the squad.
Beau Webster is set to play and can bowl medium pace or off-spin. Cooper Connolly or Matthew Renshaw could also come into consideration if Green is ruled out. Mitchell Johnson said either Connolly or Renshaw should be picked ahead of injury covers.
Australia have injury covers Sam Harper and Nic Maddinson available but the initial squad order gives Connolly and Renshaw priority.
CricHubb Take
Green’s absence hands Australia an early test of how much trust they place in Connolly’s secondary spin skill before the series begins on a surface that could reward variety.