Australian all-rounder Cameron Green had a brief stint in the Australian chase on Thursday evening’s match in Bloemfontein, facing only two deliveries before being hit by one of Kagiso Rabada’s bouncers. This unfortunate incident led to Green being replaced by middle-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne in the first ODI against South Africa.
A spokesman from Cricket Australia has shared with the public that Cameron Green will be missing a large amount of the South Africa tour due to an advised 8-day concussion protocol. During this time, Cricket Australia’s medical team will constantly monitor his condition, with his planned return date set for September 17th. It’s worth mentioning that Australia is slated to meet South Africa in the last ODI at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on that exact day. This absence compounds Australia’s troubles, as they already face many injury issues ahead of their World Cup opener against India on October 8th.
To fill the void left by Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne stepped in as a concussion substitute and delivered a match-winning effort alongside the number 9, Ashton Agar. Labuschagne produced a gutsy innings, scoring 80 runs off 93 balls, driving Australia to a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series. It’s vital to mention that Cameron Green did have a part to play with the ball in the first ODI against South Africa, taking a crucial wicket, that of Aiden Markram, during his 5-over spell. He surrendered 32 runs during his spell. Green’s absence now affords Labuschagne an opportunity to make his case in the ODI squad.
Cameron Green’s injury adds to the fears within the Cricket Australia camp, especially with the World Cup just a month away. Apart from the all-rounder Green, there are ongoing injury recoveries for crucial players. Captain Pat Cummins is mending from a wrist ailment, Glenn Maxwell is in recuperation from an ankle injury, fast bowler Mitchell Starc is fighting through a groin injury, and Steve Smith is also on the mend from a wrist injury. It’s significant that all four players are part of Australia’s World Cup lineup preparing to fly to India.
