Australia lose allrounder Cameron Green for first Test against Proteas

By SABC Sport
6th October 2026

Australia allrounder Cameron Green has been ruled out out of the first Test against the Proteas, starting in Durban on Friday, due to an abdominal strain picked up in the third ODI.

The news was confirmed by Australia head coach Andrew McDonald in a media interaction on Tuesday, saying that even if Green recovers to play some part in the three-match series, he won't feature as a bowler throughout.

Green suffered the injury in Potchefstroom when he struck in the stomach after missing a full-toss.

McDonald said: "He's progressing pretty well, all things considered. He's still here for a reason, so there is some light at the end of the tunnel. It'll just be a matter of going through the rehab.

"He's got a pretty demanding week this week as he reintroduces a few activities and you'll see that probably play out in the net situation during lunch time, in and around the game.

"It's a bit of an unknown but there's still optimism that he will take part in the series at some point."

Green's absence will likely mean a Test debut for either Cooper Connoly or Sam Harper in the middle-order, while Nic Maddinson could also slot for his first Test since 2016.

McDonald indicated it was "likely" that Travis Head would continue to open the batting alongside Matt Renshaw.