Cameron Green injury: Abdominal strain may rule him out of first Test vs South Africa
Synopsis
Cameron Green's abdominal strain — stacked on top of a sore shoulder — could sideline Australia's premier all-rounder from the Durban Test opener against South Africa. His absence not only hands Cooper Connolly a potential recall but has also intensified scrutiny over the surprise inclusion of 34-year-old Nic Maddinson, who hasn't played red-ball cricket in 18 months.
Key Takeaways
Cameron Green , 27 , is doubtful for Australia's first Test against South Africa, starting at Kingsmead, Durban on 9 October , due to an abdominal strain.
The injury was sustained while playing a hook shot in the third ODI against South Africa; Green also carries a pre-existing sore shoulder.
Cooper Connolly , a left-arm spin all-rounder and Green's Western Australian teammate, is the likely beneficiary if Green misses out.
Beau Webster is expected to be certain of a place in the XI, while Sam Harper and Nic Maddinson were added to the squad last week.
Former fast bowler Mitchell Johnson called Maddinson's selection 'difficult to justify,' arguing Matthew Renshaw or Connolly should take precedence.
Green could target the second or third Test for his return to action.
Star Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is in serious doubt for Australia's opening Test against South Africa, scheduled to begin at Kingsmead, Durban on 9 October, as he continues to battle an abdominal strain sustained during the recent ODI series against the Proteas. His absence would leave a significant gap in Australia's squad balance heading into the series.
How the Injury Happened
Green, 27, picked up the abdominal strain while playing a hook shot during the third ODI against South Africa. The injury comes on top of a sore shoulder that had already curtailed his bowling workload through that ODI series. The combination of issues affects his batting, bowling, and fielding — effectively undermining his core value as a balance-providing all-rounder in the Australian XI. He was absent from Australia's two-day warm-up fixture in Potchefstroom and was limited to minor physical conditioning work on the sidelines. According to reports, Green could be targeting the second or third Test for his return.
Who Stands to Benefit
Green's likely absence opens the door for Western Australian teammate Cooper Connolly, a batting all-rounder who offers left-arm orthodox spin alongside middle-order hitting. The Durban pitch has historically favoured spin, which could work in Connolly's favour if selected. Connolly made his Test debut in Sri Lanka in early 2025. Separately, Beau Webster appears certain to feature in the XI, while wicketkeeper-batter Sam Harper and veteran Nic Maddinson were called up to the Australian Test squad last week.
Johnson's Sharp Criticism of Maddinson Selection
The call-up of Nic Maddinson, 34, has drawn pointed criticism. Maddinson last played Test cricket a decade ago and has been out of red-ball action for 18 months. Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, writing in his column for The West Australian, described the selection as 'difficult to justify.' Johnson wrote: 'If Cam Green is unavailable, Matthew Renshaw or Cooper Connolly should remain ahead of Maddinson. They were included in the original squad and should have a clearer position in the selection order.'
Green's Recent Form and Why His Absence Hurts
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Australia's selectors, given that Green had been in strong batting form ahead of the series. He registered a Test century against Bangladesh in Darwin and was one of the standout performers in that series alongside Steve Smith. His all-round presence provides a rare balance that few replacements can replicate, and his injury leaves the Australian think-tank with difficult selection choices before the Durban Test begins.
Point of View
In particular, raises legitimate questions: bringing back a player who last played Test cricket a decade ago and has been absent from red-ball cricket for 18 months suggests the selectors may have misjudged their depth chart. Mitchell Johnson's public critique reflects a wider concern that Renshaw and Connolly — both in the original squad and with more recent form — are being bypassed for sentimental or pragmatic reasons that haven't been clearly explained. How Australia manages the Durban XI will be an early signal of how the selection panel is thinking about the series beyond just the first Test.
NationPress
5 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Cameron Green doubtful for the first Test against South Africa?
Cameron Green is struggling with an abdominal strain he sustained while playing a hook shot in the third ODI against South Africa. The injury affects his batting, bowling, and fielding, and comes on top of a pre-existing sore shoulder, making his selection for the Durban Test opener on 9 October uncertain.
Who could replace Cameron Green in Australia's playing XI?
Cooper Connolly, a batting all-rounder and left-arm orthodox spin bowler from Western Australia, is the most likely replacement if Green misses the first Test. Beau Webster is also expected to be in the XI. The Durban pitch's historically spin-friendly nature could work in Connolly's favour.
When could Cameron Green return from injury?
According to reports, Green is targeting the second or third Test against South Africa for his return. He was restricted to light conditioning work and missed Australia's two-day warm-up in Potchefstroom.
Why has Nic Maddinson's selection drawn criticism?
Nic Maddinson, 34, last played Test cricket a decade ago and has been out of red-ball action for 18 months. Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson wrote in his column for The West Australian that the selection was 'difficult to justify,' arguing that Matthew Renshaw or Cooper Connolly should be ahead of Maddinson in the selection order.
What was Cameron Green's recent Test form before the injury?
Green was in strong batting form, having scored a Test century against Bangladesh in Darwin and finishing as one of the standout batters in that series alongside Steve Smith. His absence is considered a significant blow to Australia's balance.
