Cameron Green to miss Durban Test as Australia weigh batting replacements

Cameron Green will miss Australia's opening Test against South Africa in Durban after an abdominal strain, coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed. The ICC reported that the all-rounder was injured during the third one-day international. The three-match Test series begins on October 9, with Green's availability for the later matches still uncertain.

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McDonald said Green was making progress and would stay with the touring squad while continuing his rehabilitation. His programme includes reintroducing activities during a demanding week, but the coach could not give a definite return date. Australia remain hopeful he will take part at some point, according to the ICC's account of McDonald's comments.

A return would be focused on batting rather than an immediate resumption of his all-round role. Australian Associated Press, in a report carried by ABC News, said a shoulder problem had already kept Green from bowling in the white-ball matches. His intended bowling comeback in the final ODI was abandoned after the abdominal injury, and McDonald considers bowling in this series highly unlikely.

AAP reported that Cooper Connolly and Nic Maddinson are the likely alternatives for the number-five batting position. Travis Head is expected to continue opening, with Alex Carey at six. Maddinson last appeared in a Test in 2016 and joined the squad last week after Josh Inglis suffered a fractured finger, leaving Australia with another injury-related selection decision.

Conditions could influence that choice. According to AAP, Australia are considering Connolly with the dry Kingsmead pitch expected to offer turn later in the match. Green's absence also improves Beau Webster's chances of retaining a place as an additional seam option after batting seventh in Australia's previous three Tests.

The injury interrupts Green's recent Test form: the ICC said he led Australia's scoring against Bangladesh, making a century and a half-century across two matches. Durban is scheduled to host the opener from October 9-13. The remaining Tests are set for October 18-22 in Gqeberha and October 27-31 in Johannesburg.