Green ruled out of series opener against Proteas

Australian allrounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the first Test against South Africa in Durban due to an abdominal strain. Head coach Andrew McDonald confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that while Green will miss the series opener, the team remains optimistic he could return later in the tour solely as a batter.

Green suffered the unusual injury while playing a pull shot during the third ODI in Potchefstroom. McDonald noted that bowling during the remaining Tests is highly unlikely and too high-risk given Green's recent shoulder issues, making a pure batter role his only realistic path back.