Injury Update: Cameron Green Progressing Through Rehab But Faces Race Against Time for Second Test

Recovery Status: All-rounder Cameron Green is making positive strides in his recovery from an abdominal strain sustained during the preceding ODI series. He has resumed running drills, but head coach Andrew McDonald noted that his immediate availability remains uncertain.

The Hurdle: With the second Test carrying a quick turnaround, Green has yet to resume full batting nets or complete all necessary physical milestones ahead of the match starting Sunday.

Should Green become available in either Gqeberha or Cape Town, space would need to be found for him in the middle order, which could lead to a further batting reshuffle or potentially put Beau Webster under pressure to retain his spot.

Bowling Status: Even if Green manages to prove his fitness and return to the playing XI, team management has already indicated that he will not bowl during this series due to a lingering shoulder workload management plan.

Selection Impact: His potential absence or limited return as a specialist batter keeps the door open for players like Beau Webster to retain their spot in the middle order, alongside ongoing batting puzzle decisions involving Matt Renshaw and Nic Maddinson.

Workloads were shared evenly at Kingsmead: Mitchell Starc bowled 33 overs, Josh Hazlewood 32.5, and Cummins 29. They were aided by Nathan Lyon being able to provide control in both innings while the bowling was backed up by brilliant catching. Scott Boland and Michael Neser are the extra pace bowlers in the squad.

"Over the next couple of days we'll assess where everyone is at," McDonald said. "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."