Allrounder Cameron Green set to miss second Test despite ‘positive signs’ in recovery from injury

Cameron Green is set to be ruled out of the second Test against South Africa, with Australia eyeing the series finale in Cape Town as the allrounder’s likely return date.

Green batted for the first time on Thursday since straining his abdomen a fortnight ago, as Australia began training at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.

The 27-year-old faced around 40 minutes of gentle throwdowns before some catching practice and running drills, but Australia are not banking on having him available come Sunday.

Instead, Cape Town on October 27 looms as a more likely return date, with the West Australian also not expected to bowl in that match after an earlier shoulder concern.

In contrast, Josh Inglis faced Scott Boland and Michael Neser in a centre-wicket net session following his own finger fracture last month, after progressing from light batting in Durban.

But even if Inglis is fit, the most likely scenario appears to be that Australia will remain unchanged from the side that won by 214 runs in Durban.

“He’ll be hitting over the next week, and he started to get moving last Test,” assistant coach Matt Wade said of Green.

“He’s around, and maybe more looking for the third Test. But he’s starting to get moving, which is probably a positive sign.”

Assuming selectors do stick with Nic Maddinson in the side, it will give the tourists the flexibility they have long yearned for in their batting order.

Pat Cummins said earlier this week it would take a “compelling” case to move Matt Renshaw back to open after his scores of 190 and 92 at No.5.

But with Renshaw, Maddinson and Travis Head in the team, Cummins has suggested there could be scenarios where opening pairings change between innings.

That has been cautioned against by former captain Steve Waugh, who insisted this week Australia should “pick and stick” and “stop messing around”.

Wade himself was part of Australian batting order reshuffles late in his career, opening for the two Tests at the start of 2020-21 when David Warner was out.

“Traditionally, openers have opened, but the conditions have changed so much over the last 10 years, especially at domestic level,” Wade said.