Big Blow for Australia as Their Backbone Is Ruled Out of 1st Test Against South Africa

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the opening Test against South Africa in Durban due to an abdominal strain. The injury occurred while batting during the third ODI between the two sides. The three-match series begins on October 9, 2026, at Kingsmead, featuring the top two teams in the current World Test Championship standings.

Australia added Nic Maddinson and Sam Harper to the squad as injury cover, while Josh Inglis was also ruled out with a fractured finger. Selection options to replace Green in the playing XI include Maddinson as a specialist batter or all-rounders Cooper Connolly, Michael Neser, and Beau Webster.