Last Updated on 17 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
Australia have fresh injury concerns after Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw failed to finish the rain-affected third ODI against South Africa at Potchefstroom. Both are part of the Test squad and their progress will be monitored over the coming days.
In the 48th over of Australia’s innings, Green was struck on the groin by a Corbin Bosch full toss. The bigger issue, however, was two deliveries later as Green had abdominal discomfort after attempting to pull a short delivery, only managing to top-edge to wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.
According to cricket.com.au, Green, who was set to bowl in the match, was practicing during the innings break under the supervision of the physiotherapist. However, he looked bothered despite bowling only at half-pace, and did not return to the field.
In the 14th over of South Africa’s innings, Ryan Rickelton pulled an Adam Zampa delivery towards Matt Renshaw fielding close-in at square leg. He was struck on the wrist and looked in discomfort, before leaving the field. He did not return for the remainder of the match, of which there were a further 14 overs bowled.
Australia’s injury worries in South Africa: Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw added to the list
Cameron Green and Matt Renshaw join Nathan Ellis (side), Josh Inglis (finger), Joel Davies (hamstring) and Jack Edwards (hamstring) as the players who have suffered injuries so far in South Africa. Test players Beau Webster and Marnus Labuschagne had to come on as sub-fielders.
“I haven’t spoken to them [Green and Renshaw] yet, but hopefully both are okay,” captain Mitchell Marsh said after the match, as quoted by Cricinfo.
“[Green was] locked in the bowl a few overs today. He had a nice build, and it would have been nice for him to have a bowl. But yeah, it wasn’t meant to be, and I’m sure that it won’t affect his prep too much, hopefully.”
Fitness pending, both Renshaw and Green are set to play key roles for Australia in the upcoming Test series, which begins on October 9 in Durban. Renshaw made his return to Test cricket against Bangladesh in Mackay in August, and will be looking to lock down Australia’s troublesome opening position.
Green will be aiming to build on the momentum of his strong showing against Bangladesh in the same series. Batting at five, he hit 104 in Darwin followed by 67 in a bowler-dominated Test in Mackay.
Inglis (broken finger) was also considered a chance of featuring in the Tests. If he, Green and Renshaw aren’t fit in time for the series opener, it could open the door for Cooper Connolly to play his second Test, while offering Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve.
In the final ODI, Australia picked up a consolation win courtesy of solid contributions down the order, including Alex Carey’s player-of-the-match 74. Xavier Bartlett struck twice with the new ball before Adam Zampa picked up two crucial wickets in the middle overs.
Rain ended play 28 overs into South Africa’s innings, where Australia emerged victorious by 45 runs via the Duckworth Lewis method.
