Green Ruled Out of First Test as Australia Weighs Up Selection Dilemma
Cameron Green has been ruled out of the opening Test against South Africa in Durban due to an abdominal injury, leaving Australia weighing a selection dilemma.
Cameron Green will miss the opening Test of the highly-anticipated series against South Africa beginning on Friday in Durban due to injury in a significant blow for Australia.
Nor is the all-rounder a certainty to feature in the final two Tests either with Australian coach Andrew McDonald conceding the amount of time Green will be sidelined with the abdominal injury is a bit of an unknown.
The Western Australian strained an abdominal muscle when struck in the stomach while attempting to hook a full toss from Corbin Bosch in a one-day match in Potchefstroom last Wednesday.
With the 27-year-old sidelined, it opens the door for either Cooper Connolly or Nic Maddinson to feature in the playing XI.
Connolly was named in the original squad and offers a handy alternative given his left-arm spin combined with his batting, while Maddinson has earned a recall following an inspiring return from testicular cancer.
Maddinson's selection has generated intense debate, with former players like Matthew Hayden launching scathing criticisms against the decision given his lack of first-class cricket over the past two seasons.
Coach Andrew McDonald strongly defended the selection on Tuesday, pointing out that Maddinson has been on the national radar for years and has proved his fitness with a strong pre-season.
Australia is bracing for the prospect that South Africa will select two spinners for the opening Test, with Simon Harmer considered a strong prospect to partner Keshav Maharaj.