Cameron Green is unlikely to play in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Nagpur. The all-rounder suffered a broken finger in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, an injury that hasn't healed in time for the start of the marquee series in India. Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald had expressed hope that Green could feature as a pure batter given the lack of his bowling load in the build-up to the series but two days out from the Test, vice-captain Steve Smith effectively ruled the 23-year-old out.
"I don't think he is [going to play]," Smith said. "I don't think he's even faced fast bowlers yet. So I dare say he won't be playing, but who knows? I'm not entirely sure. We'll wait and see. But it's unlikely, I think."
Green's absence is a blow for Australia, who have derived great balance to their Test sides with his all-round abilities allowing the management to pick an extra batter or bowler as they deemed necessary for the conditions. Even if he played as a pure batter, Green's right-handedness and his promising spin play in Sri Lanka would have been a welcome boost to the middle order. In his absence, Australia welcomed Matt Renshaw back to the Test fold in Sydney, but his inclusion in Nagpur will leave Australia fielding five left-handers in their top-seven. Peter Handscomb is the other alternative, should Australia choose an extra batter.
Source: https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/125422/australia-contemplate-balance-on-dry-nagpur-pitch-with-cameron-green-unlikely-to-play-vs-india
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