IND vs AUS: Cameron Green likely to miss Nagpur Test with fractured finger
Cameron Green suffered a fractured finger in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa (2022) and is out of action ever since. He is currently recovering from the injury and is likely to miss the first Test against India, which is slated to begin on February 9 in Nagpur.
As per reports, the young all-round sensation did not bat during Australia’s practice session at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, however, he was seen doing some fitness training. The team management has opted a cautious approach to ensure his injury is not aggravated.
Meanwhile, Australia’s vice-captain Steve Smith has confirmed that Green is yet to gain full fitness and stated that the 23-year-old is yet to face fast bowlers in the nets. If Green indeed misses out, then Australia might have to play an additional batter and four specialist bowlers. In that case, either Matt Renshaw or Peter Handscomb may feature in the playing XI.
“I don’t think he is (going to play). 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,” Smith was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
I don’t think there will be a heap of bounce in the wicket: Steve Smith
Looking at the Nagpur pitch, Smith believes that there will not be much bounce in the wicket. He mentioned that the pitch is pretty dry and the pacers might skid the ball in the first couple of days. The star batter also stated that the cracks felt pretty loose and thus, spinners can take advantage of the situation.
“It’s pretty dry. Particularly one end that I think will take a bit of spin, particularly the left-arm spinner spinning it back into our left-handers. There’s a section there that’s quite dry. Other than that, I can’t really get a good gauge on it,” said Smith.
I don’t think there will be a heap of bounce in the wicket. I think for the seamers it will be quite skiddy and maybe a bit of up-and-down movement as the game goes on. The cracks felt quite loose. We’ll wait and see when we get out there,” he added.
