Photograph: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/Reuters

Cameron Green ruled out of first Test and may not bowl at all in South Africa series

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the opening Test against South Africa after aggravating an abdominal strain, with his bowling role in the series also in doubt. The injury, sustained during the final ODI last week, has forced coach Andrew McDonald to reassess Green’s availability, leaving Australia with a critical batting lineup decision at No 5 between Cooper Connolly and Nic Maddinson.

Green’s absence is particularly painful given his recent resurgence, including a century against Bangladesh in August, though McDonald remains cautiously optimistic about his return as a batter later in the series. With Green unlikely to bowl due to lingering shoulder issues, Australia’s pace attack may retain Beau Webster as a fourth seamer, while the team evaluates whether to deploy two frontline spinners given the turning conditions expected at Kingsmead.

The setback for Green—who had been managing both the abdominal strain and a separate shoulder problem—means Australia will prioritize his batting recovery over any return to bowling. Maddinson, last selected for a Test in 2016, could reclaim his place, while Connolly’s selection might hinge on Durban’s dry surface before the series shifts to Kingsmead.

McDonald confirmed Green’s rehab remains a focus, though the immediate challenge is navigating the first Test without his all-round contributions.

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