Australia will miss the key all-rounder in Durban after an abdominal strain, adding to the team’s injury concerns ahead of the WTC series.
Australia have suffered a significant injury setback ahead of their three-match ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa, with all-rounder Cameron Green ruled out of the opening Test in Durban.
Green sustained an abdominal strain during the third ODI against South Africa and will not be available when the two sides begin their Test campaign on October 9. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that the all-rounder is continuing his rehabilitation and remains hopeful of featuring later in the series.
The injury is another setback for Green, who had been an important contributor with the bat during Australia’s most recent Test assignment against Bangladesh. He finished that two-match series as Australia’s leading run-scorer after registering a century and a half-century.
McDonald also confirmed that Green is unlikely to bowl during the Test series because of ongoing concerns related to his shoulder. The coaching staff will therefore manage his recovery carefully as he works through a demanding rehabilitation programme.
Australia’s medical team remains optimistic that Green could return at some stage during the series, although there is currently no firm timeline for his comeback. His availability for the second or third Test will depend on how he responds to the rehabilitation process.
The setback comes shortly after wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis was ruled out of the first Test because of a fractured right index finger. His absence further reduces Australia’s options as they prepare for a challenging series against the reigning World Test Championship holders.
Australia currently sit at the top of the WTC standings, while South Africa are second. Both teams are competing for a place in the 2027 World Test Championship Final at The Oval, making the upcoming series particularly important.
South Africa enter the Test series with confidence after defeating Australia 2-1 in the preceding ODI series.
The second Test is scheduled for October 18-22 in Gqeberha, while the third and final match will take place in Johannesburg from October 27-31.