Australia gained a timely boost before the third Test against South Africa as Cameron Green confirmed his fitness for the series decider in Cape Town. The all-rounder will return as a specialist batter after recovering from an abdominal injury sustained during the final ODI against South Africa on September 30. Green's availability matters significantly for Australia after they suffered a crushing innings-and-31-run defeat in the second Test at Gqeberha, leaving the three-match series tied 1-1.
Green missed the opening two Tests after failing to recover in time from the abdominal strain. However, his recovery progressed faster than anticipated. Green expressed confidence about his readiness for the upcoming contest.
"I'm all good to go. Pretty surprised with how quick it's actually healed or how functional I feel only a few weeks after," Green was quoted as saying by Cricinfo.
Despite being spotted bowling during Saturday net sessions, Green is unlikely to bowl in the third Test. His return will strengthen Australia's middle order, which struggled during the previous encounter at Gqeberha, where the team was dismissed for 99 in the first innings. Green will walk into the playing XI with at least one change confirmed for Australia, with Nic Maddinson most likely to make way for his inclusion.
The 27-year-old believes he can adapt to different batting positions, although he feels most comfortable at No. 4 or No. 5. Green reflected on his recent performances and highlighted the positives from Australia's Tests against Bangladesh at Mackay and Darwin.
"I think I've had a lot of experience up and down the order," the Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder mentioned.
Green drew on lessons from his recent domestic cricket when discussing his approach to the series decider. The all-rounder emphasised how his performances in the Bangladesh Tests and Shield cricket had shaped his mindset heading into Cape Town.
"Certainly (the Tests) up in Mackay and Darwin were huge positives in kind of how I wanted to play the game. There are probably learnings I took from the last Shield game I played, (in) kind of how I wanted to play and it felt pretty natural to me," Green said.
The third and final Test begins on October 27 at Newlands in Cape Town. Australia will need a strong batting performance to regain control of the series after the second Test loss. Green's return provides the team with the stability and flexibility required to challenge South Africa in the decider.
