Cameron Green 'progressing well' but second Test availability remains uncertain, says Andrew McDonald

Cameron Green's availability for the second Test between Australia and South Africa remains uncertain after the all-rounder had not resumed batting as of October 15, 2026.

Green sustained an abdominal injury during the final ODI late last month and is yet to pick up a bat ahead of the match, which begins in Gqeberha on October 18, 2026. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald provided an update on Green's condition, noting that recovery from soft tissue injuries can move quickly.

"He'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. 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 said, as quoted by Cricinfo.

During the final day of the first Test in Durban, Green was seen doing running work on the outfield during the lunch break, which offered a modest sign of progress. However, McDonald has also confirmed that Green is unlikely to bowl at all in the series even if he is passed fit to bat. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

What does Green's absence mean for Australia's batting order?

Green's injury forced Australia to restructure their batting line-up for the Durban Test. Matt Renshaw moved down to No. 5 and Nic Maddinson was brought in to open alongside Travis Head. The reshuffle proved highly effective, with Renshaw producing 272 runs across the two innings and also contributing with the ball, taking two wickets in the final innings.

Should Green return for either the Gqeberha or Cape Town Test, space would need to be found for him in the middle order. That scenario could lead to a further batting reshuffle or put Beau Webster under pressure to retain his place. Green had been Australia's best batter in the series against Bangladesh in August 2026. McDonald echoed the views of Cummins that nothing needed to be set in stone regarding the batting order.

"I think we're more open-minded than that. So we'll assess what we need to do going to the next Test [on a] different surface, potentially, not sure what it sort of holds there, but in terms of where Renners [Renshaw] will bat, we'll work through that leading into the next Test," McDonald said.

What is the latest on Josh Inglis and Australia's fast bowling workload?

Josh Inglis is also working his way back from a fractured finger he suffered in the first ODI. He has rejoined the squad and returned to the nets, with plans to increase his training intensity during the days in Gqeberha starting Thursday, October 17, 2026. Sam Harper remains with the squad as an additional wicketkeeping option while Inglis builds towards full fitness. McDonald addressed the workload on Australia's pace attack after a demanding first Test. Mitchell Starc bowled 33 overs, Josh Hazlewood 32.5 overs and Pat Cummins 29 overs in Durban.

"Over the next couple of days we'll assess where everyone is at. There's a fair bit to work through in that space but our SSSM [sports science sports medicine] team are incredibly important to us with that cohort of fast bowlers that aren't getting any younger. The management and the investment that they also put into their own bodies to get ready is a credit to them and you see that play out," McDonald said.