Green picked up the injury while batting during the third ODI against South Africa in Potchefstroom last week. The Australian all-rounder was struck in the abdominal region by a delivery from South African seamer Corbin Bosch. He subsequently sat out Australia's two-day tour game as he began his rehabilitation. The timing was particularly unfortunate because the ODI series had been Australia's final competitive preparation before the Test series.

Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Green will miss the first Test but indicated that his recovery is progressing well. The Australian camp remains hopeful that Green could play a role later in the three-match series. However, there is an important caveat.

Green had just finished Australia's previous Test assignment against Bangladesh as their leading run-scorer. Across the two-Test series, he produced a century and a half-century, underlining his growing importance to Australia's Test batting unit. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball also gives Australia an extra tactical option. Without him, the team has to decide whether to replace his batting, his bowling, or restructure the entire balance of the XI.

One obvious name is Beau Webster. The 32-year-old all-rounder has already played 10 Tests for Australia and featured alongside Green during the two-Test series against Bangladesh earlier this year. But McDonald has made it clear that Webster's selection should not be considered automatic. Australia could choose a more batting-heavy combination, strengthen their bowling attack or opt for a structure that provides greater flexibility across five days.

Green's injury comes after Josh Inglis was ruled out of the first Test with a fractured right index finger. Australia subsequently added wicketkeeper Sam Harper and batter Nic Maddinson to their squad as cover. The additional changes mean Australia enter the Durban Test having already had to rethink parts of their original squad plans.

The three-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle. Australia currently sit at the top of the WTC standings, while South Africa are second. The Proteas also arrive with extra confidence after defeating Australia in the previous WTC Final at Lord's. That makes the Durban opener particularly significant. For Australia, it is an opportunity to respond to that defeat. For South Africa, it is a chance to continue their momentum against the reigning WTC finalists.