Green likely to miss first Test as Labuschagne hits warm-up century

Australia face a major selection dilemma ahead of their opening Test against South Africa as all-rounder Cameron Green is likely to miss the match due to an injury.

The 27-year-old suffered what has been described as an awkward abdominal strain during the final one-day international against South Africa last week. According to reports, Green was restricted strictly to conditioning work and did not bat, bowl, or field as the squad faced a Cricket South Africa Invitational XI in Potchefstroom.

With Green sidelined, the team management is weighing up several replacements. Cooper Connolly is in line for potentially just his second Test appearance since debuting in Sri Lanka nearly two years ago, alongside Beau Webster, Nic Maddinson, and Sam Harper. Liam Scott has also emerged as another potential reinforcement following his stint with Australia A in India.

Amidst the injury concerns, under-fire batter Marnus Labuschagne provided a massive boost by breaking his 11-month century drought in all formats. The 32-year-old stroked 19 fours to bring up three figures in just 76 balls before retiring on 111 during the two-day warm-up match.

Labuschagne’s knock comes at a crucial juncture after managing an average of just 24.69 since July 2023, which included a string of low scores during Australia's recent series against Bangladesh. However, conditions in Potchefstroom proved favorable as the tourists comfortably posted 6/368 across 74 overs against a depleted CSA Invitational XI attack.

The first Test of the series is scheduled to begin on Friday evening in Durban.