Cameron Green ruled out of first Test against South Africa
Green's abdominal injury forces Australia to reshuffle their batting order for the Durban opener.
Cameron Green has been ruled out of Australia's first Test against South Africa after failing to overcome an abdominal strain suffered in the final ODI. The all-rounder will also not bowl during the series as he continues to manage a shoulder issue.
Australia must now choose between Nic Maddinson and Cooper Connolly at number five, with Travis Head remaining at the top of the order and Alex Carey at number six. Coach Andrew McDonald confirmed Green is progressing well and remains in the squad with optimism he will return later in the three-Test series.
Maddinson, who last played a Test in 2016, was a surprise addition to the squad after Josh Inglis suffered a fractured finger. The dry Kingsmead pitch is expected to turn later in the match, though Australia are unlikely to play two spinners.
CricHubb Take
The timing matters because Green had just scored a century against Bangladesh in August, and his absence now tests whether Australia can maintain batting depth without their most versatile all-rounder.