Australia is “likely” to be without Cameron Green for the first Test in South Africa as the all-rounder struggles to overcome an injury.
The Age’s Dan Brettig reports Green did not bat, bowl or field as the Aussies faced a Cricket South Africa Invitational XI in Potchefstroom, just 50 kilometres from Marnus Labuschagne’s Klerksdorp birthplace.
Watch Australia’s Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
The 27-year-old was limited to just conditioning work after suffering what’s said to be an “awkward” abdominal strain in the final ODI against South Africa last week.
It reportedly leaves Cooper Connolly in line for just his second Test appearance, after a debut in Sri Lanka almost two years ago, along with Beau Webster while the recently called-up Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper could also be in the frame.
Liam Scott, who has featured as an all-rounder during Australia A’s tour of India, could be called in as another reinforcement. The first Test begins Friday evening (AEDT) in Durban.
The news comes after as Marnus Labuschagne all-but-confirmed his place at No.3 with a century in Australia’s warm-up clash.
The under-fire 32-year old ended an 11-month century drought in all formats to show signs of his damaging best at the perfect time.
While not without the occasional edge through the slips cordon, Labuschagne hit 19 fours to bring up three figures in just 76 balls, before retiring on 111 to give others some badly needed time at the crease.
The innings comes at a vital time for the fallen star, who has averaged just 24.69 since his last Test century in July 2023, including a trio of failures in Australia’s recent series against Bangladesh.
However, the knock comes with several caveats.
In perfect batting conditions, Australia were untroubled in racking up 6/368 from 74 overs on the second day of the two-day match, with three of those wickets, Labuschagne’s included, retirements.
The CSA XI bowling attack was also far removed from what the tourists will face against the Proteas in Durban in the first Test including a bowler who last played first class cricket two years ago, and a spinner who had spent most of his career in division two cricket.
