Green's Abdominal Strain Leaves Australia Sweating Ahead of Durban Test

Australia's preparations for the Test series against South Africa have taken another hit, with all-rounder Cameron Green almost certain to miss Friday's series opener in Durban. The 27-year-old strained his lower abdomen while playing a hook shot in the final ODI against the Proteas, and he has been racing the clock ever since.

Green sat out Australia's two-day warm-up match against a Cricket South Africa Invitational XI in Potchefstroom, restricted to light conditioning work away from the main group. He did not bat, bowl or field, and while the selectors have stopped short of officially ruling him out, all signs point to him targeting the second or third Test for his return.

The timing is cruel. Green had also been managing a sore shoulder through the recent one-day series, which limited his bowling, and now the abdominal problem threatens all three disciplines of his game. He was among Australia's standout batters in the recent Bangladesh series, alongside Steve Smith, and his balance is key against South Africa's formidable pace attack.

Cooper Connolly, his Western Australia teammate, is the frontrunner to deputise in what would be only his second Test appearance.