Photo via Hindustan Times

Cameron Green could be out of first South Africa Test after abdominal strain; Cooper Connolly favourite to replace

Australia’s Test series against South Africa faces an early setback with the likely absence of star all-rounder Cameron Green from the first match at Kingsmead. The 26-year-old fast-bowler has been sidelined by an abdominal strain suffered during the third ODI against South Africa last month, which appears unresolved.

Green missed both the team’s two-day warm-up fixture against Cricket South Africa Invitation XI and subsequent training sessions, fueling speculation about his availability. His omission would be a significant blow, as he has been a key performer, including a century and a half-century in Australia’s recent two-Test series against Bangladesh.

With Green’s participation in doubt, Australia’s selectors will likely turn to Cooper Connolly or Matthew Renshaw to fill the void. Connolly, a versatile batsman with spin-bowling capabilities, has been openly backed by team management as a potential mainstay, while Renshaw’s experience as a core squad member gives him priority over injury cover options like Sam Harper or Nic Maddinson.

Former Australian fast-bowler Mitchell Johnson has also weighed in, advocating for either Connolly or Renshaw to start, given their original squad selection status. The decision comes as Australia prepares to face one of the strongest Test teams in the world, adding urgency to the selection dilemma.

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