Due to a fractured finger, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was forced to withdraw from the third Test match in Sydney against South Africa on Wednesday. He also won’t be able to bowl in Melbourne. On day two of the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday, the 23-year-old got a severe blow to the finger on his bat with a fast bowler by the name of Anrich Nortje. He went for scans after retiring hurt. Cricket Australia said that Cameron Green’s right index finger “had a slight fracture.”
“He will bat one more in this game but not bowl, then have some time to heal before the India tour” (in February). Green will therefore miss the third and final game of the Indian Premier League, where he was the second-most costly purchase. After taking a career-best 5-27 in South Africa’s 189 in their first innings, his inability to bowl in their second innings in Melbourne is a significant setback.
Day three will continue on 386-3 for the hosts. Mitchell Starc, Australia’s spearhead for pace, is another concern because he injured a finger on Monday. Australia will only have three healthy bowlers left if he is unable to play the remainder of the Melbourne Test: skipper Pat Cummins, fellow pacer Scott Boland, and spinner Nathan Lyon.
