Cameron Green has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa in Durban after succumbing to an abdominal strain.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald said Green failed to overcome the injury, which he suffered in the final one-day international (ODI) played in Potchefstroom last week.
McDonald said it was “highly unlikely” Green would bowl later in the series, should he prove his fitness for the remaining two Tests.
The injury blow is likely to leave Australia with a choice to make between Cooper Connolly or Nic Maddinson at number five in the batting order for the first Test, which begins on Friday night, AEST.
Travis Head is expected to remain as opener, with Alex Carey to bat at six.
Green appeared to be finding some rhythm with the bat, having scored a century against Bangladesh in Darwin in August.
“He is progressing pretty well, all things considered … he is still here for a reason, so there is some light at the end of the tunnel,” McDonald said
“It will just be a matter of going through the rehab. He has a pretty demanding week as he reintroduced some activities.
“It’s a bit of an unknown, but there is still optimism that he will take part in the series at some stage.”
Green had been managing a shoulder injury that stopped him bowling in the white-ball matches against the Proteas.
His planned bowling return in the final ODI was aborted due to the abdominal injury.
“We would be solely focused on getting him to return as a batter. We wouldn’t be putting that demand on him to return as a bowler,” McDonald said.
“That would be too high-risk, is the information I have.”
Maddinson has not played a Test for Australia since 2016 but was a surprise addition to the squad last week when Josh Inglis suffered a fractured finger.
Australia is also weighing up whether a dry Durban surface pushes them towards picking Connolly, with an expectation the Kingsmead wicket will turn later in the match.
Matt Kuhnemann is also on the tour as a second spinner, but it would appear unlikely Australia will opt to play him ahead of one of the three frontline quicks.
Green’s injury also increases the chances of Beau Webster holding his spot as a fourth seamer, after he played in the last three Tests batting at number seven.
AAP
By
