Australia allrounder Cameron Green appears set to miss the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha, with medical and coaching staff eyeing a return for the final match of the series in Cape Town as a more realistic timeframe. Green, who suffered an abdominal strain during the final One-Day International in Potchefstroom, has been gradually working his way back to full fitness. While the opening Test of the series took place in Durban, Green remained on the sidelines focusing on rigorous rehabilitation work under the supervision of the team’s medical staff.
On Thursday, the towering allrounder returned to the nets for the first time since sustaining the injury. However, his progression was handled with extreme caution, as he was restricted to facing gentle throwdowns before moving to the outfield for some slip-catching drills. Following those light activities, Green underwent another round of physical conditioning and fitness testing with medical staff monitoring his every move closely to ensure there are no setbacks in his recovery.
Assistant coach Matthew Wade provided an update ahead of Australia’s first training session at St George’s Park, shedding light on the timeline for Green’s reintegration into the playing XI. While acknowledging the positive steps the young allrounder is making, Wade indicated that the coaching staff is realistically eyeing the third and final Test for his competitive return.
"He’s here today. I’m not sure of his program, but he’ll be hitting over the next week and he started to get moving last Test," Matthew Wade said ahead of Australia’s training session at St George’s Park. "I think maybe more looking for the third Test, but he’s starting to get moving, which is a positive sign."
Even when Green is deemed fully fit to return to the side, head coach Andrew McDonald has previously indicated that the allrounder would be unlikely to bowl at any stage in the current series, meaning his inclusion would strictly be as a specialist batter. Green’s absence from the opening encounter in Durban necessitated a significant reshuffle within Australia’s batting order. Matt Renshaw was drafted into the side to fill the void, sliding up to the crucial No. 5 position. Renshaw seized the opportunity with both hands, compiling an impressive 272 runs across the match and cementing his value to the squad. Prior to his untimely injury, Green had looked primed for an extended run at No. 5 following a stellar series against Bangladesh back in August, where he showcased his capability with the bat in challenging conditions.
While Green’s prospects of featuring in Gqeberha remain slim, teammate Josh Inglis is tracking more positively in his rehabilitation from a fractured finger. Inglis has been ramping up his preparations and is set to steadily increase the intensity of his batting sessions over the coming days. In a significant test of his recovery, Inglis recently faced frontline quicks Scott Boland and Michael Neser bowling off their full run-ups during an intense centre-wicket net session.
Wade expressed optimism regarding Inglis’s availability for the upcoming encounter, noting that the wicketkeeper-batter is actively putting pressure on the selection panel. "He’ll start to push for this Test," Wade remarked regarding Inglis. "Whether his finger is 100% right for this Test, I’m not sure, but he’s looking to put himself on the frame."
Despite the fitness concerns hovering over a couple of members of the squad, Australia’s dominant performance in the first Test leaves the selection panel in a comfortable yet challenging position. Beau Webster’s holding role at No. 7 could theoretically come under some scrutiny, particularly as the team balances its combination of allrounders and specialist bowlers. However, given how convincingly Australia triumphed in Durban, making unforced changes appears unlikely, provided all frontline fast bowlers pull up well from their heavy workloads in the opening match. Webster himself was heavily involved in Thursday’s preparations, bowling alongside Boland and Neser during the centre-wicket net session to keep himself primed for action.
As preparations continue at St George’s Park, external factors are also being monitored by the touring party. Current weather forecasts indicate that rain could potentially impact play during the first two days of the second Test, which is scheduled to get underway on October 18. With conditions potentially adding an extra layer of complexity to the match, the Australian camp remains focused on managing their squad’s fitness and finalizing their tactical approach as they look to secure a series-clinching victory in South Africa.
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