Cameron Green to miss first Test against South Africa with abdominal strain

An abdominal strain is likely to keep Australian all-rounder Cameron Green out of the first Test against South Africa, dealing another blow to the visitors ahead of the series opener.

Green picked up the injury while attempting a hook shot during the third ODI against South Africa last month. The match was a dead rubber, but the 27-year-old has since been working against time to recover in time for the Test series.

However, Green did not take part in Australia's two-day warm-up game in Potchefstroom and was only seen doing some light physical conditioning away from the main training group. While he has not been officially ruled out of the Kingsmead Test, the signs indicate that Australia could be looking at a return for him in the second or third Test.

The all-rounder has also been managing a shoulder issue throughout the previous three series, which has affected his bowling. His latest abdominal problem could now impact his batting, bowling and fielding, leaving the Australian selectors with another selection headache as they look to settle their batting combination against South Africa's formidable pace attack.

Green recently scored a Test century in a losing cause against Bangladesh in Darwin and was among Australia's standout batters in the two-match series alongside Steve Smith.

With Green potentially unavailable, Western Australia teammate Cooper Connolly could be handed an opportunity. The spinning all-rounder has moved firmly into contention for his second Test appearance after making his debut in Sri Lanka early last year.

Australia also added wicketkeeper Sam Harper and 34-year-old Nic Maddinson to the squad last week as injury cover. However, selecting Maddinson would be a bold move, considering he has not played Test cricket for more than a decade and has also been away from red-ball cricket for 18 months.

Former Australia Test fast bowler Mitchell Johnson also questioned Maddinson's inclusion. Writing for The West Australian, Johnson called the selection decision “difficult to justify”.

“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,” he wrote.

Connolly's chances could depend on the nature of the Kingsmead surface. Australia may wait for the pitch to be unveiled before making a final call, with expectations of a spin-friendly wicket in Durban potentially working in favour of the left-arm spinner as well as his batting.

Green's absence would also confirm Beau Webster's place in Australia's playing XI for the opening Test.