Cameron Green's Fitness in Question Ahead of Second Test Against South Africa

As Australia prepares for the second Test against South Africa, head coach Andrew McDonald has expressed uncertainty regarding Cameron Green's fitness due to an abdominal injury. Green's absence in the first Test raised questions about his potential return to strengthen the batting lineup. Meanwhile, positive updates on reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis and the possibility of Cooper Connolly's inclusion add depth to the squad. With flexibility in the batting order being a key focus, Australia aims to build on their 1-0 lead in the series. Read on for more insights into the team's preparations and selection strategies.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 15, 2026, 10:23 IST

Cameron Green's Availability Uncertain

Andrew McDonald, the head coach of Australia, has raised concerns regarding Cameron Green's participation in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship match against South Africa. The all-rounder is still in recovery from an abdominal injury as the team gears up for the match on Sunday in Gqeberha. Green was absent from the first Test in Durban, where Australia achieved a significant 214-run victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. His possible return had sparked optimism about bolstering Australia's batting lineup for this crucial encounter at St George's Park.

McDonald noted that the 27-year-old must fulfill several fitness criteria before he can be considered for selection, casting doubt on his availability as Australia aims to capitalize on their strong start in the series. "(Green's) progressing well. He's got a few things to go through in the next three, four days. He'll progress (on) that and, on the back of a soft tissue injury, it can accelerate quite quickly," McDonald stated.

Positive Updates on Other Players

In a positive turn of events, reserve wicketkeeper Josh Inglis has shown signs of recovery after missing the first Test due to a finger injury sustained during last month's ODI series against South Africa. His return could enhance Australia's selection options as they prepare for the second Test in Gqeberha. McDonald mentioned, "Josh had a couple of hits during this Test match out the back of the nets during lunchtime, and that's gone well. It'll be more about the comfort with the splint and how that progresses. He'll have bat versus ball sessions in PE (Gqeberha), and we'll get more information there."

Additionally, Cooper Connolly may also be considered for the second Test after missing the series opener due to a head cold. His capability to provide a quality spin-bowling option could be vital for Australia, especially if Green is unable to bowl even if he returns as a specialist batter.

Batting Order Flexibility

As Australia prepares for the match, the roles of Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster remain unclear. McDonald emphasized that captain Pat Cummins desires flexibility within the batting order, leaving several selection choices open as they aim to extend their 1-0 series lead. "I suppose the external view on that is that you need specific orders at certain times and this person's an opener, this person's a middle-order player," he explained. "I think we're more open-minded than that. So we'll assess what we need to do going to the next Test (playing on a) different surface, potentially, not sure what it sort of holds there, but in terms of where Renners (Matthew Renshaw) will bat, we'll work through that leading into the next Test," he concluded.

Australia's Squad for the Second Test

The Australian squad for the second Test includes: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Sam Harper, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nic Maddinson, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, and Beau Webster.