Australia’s prospects of securing a series victory in their three-Test campaign against South Africa hinge partly on the fitness of key all-rounders Cameron Green and Josh Inglis ahead of the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, beginning Sunday.

Green has yet to resume batting following an abdominal strain sustained prior to the first Test, casting doubt on his availability. Inglis, who suffered a broken finger during the preceding one-day international series, is also under assessment. Both players are expected to undergo fitness evaluations during the Australian team’s practice session scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Gqeberha.

Green, slated to bat at No.5, was Australia’s leading batsman in the recent Test series against Bangladesh in August. In his absence from the opening Test in Durban, Queensland’s Matt Renshaw was promoted from opener to third drop and rewarded his promotion by earning player-of-the-match honours, scoring 190 and 82 in the respective innings. Nic Maddinson, a late inclusion in the squad, replaced Renshaw at the top of the order and posted a rapid 48 in the second innings after a first-innings duck.

Should Green be cleared to play, selectors may consider reinstating Renshaw as an opener, likely at the expense of Maddinson. Inglis offers another middle-order option but has less of a Test track record compared to Green. Even if Green returns to the playing XI, his bowling workload is expected to be minimal, enhancing the prospects for all-rounder Beau Webster to retain his place.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald expressed cautious optimism about Green’s return, confirming the player had begun running and remained on course to contribute at some stage during the series but stopping short of guaranteeing involvement in the upcoming Test. McDonald also reported encouraging progress from Inglis, who had recently resumed net sessions following treatment for his finger injury.

Regarding the batting order, McDonald noted the team’s flexibility and willingness to adjust according to conditions and opposition tactics. The shift of Renshaw to No.5 was based on his reputed proficiency against spin bowling, but a definitive lineup for the second Test has yet to be announced.

Captain Pat Cummins highlighted the range of options available around the middle order, naming Renshaw, Maddinson, and Travis Head as potential candidates for the No.5 position. He emphasized the value of versatility in batting positions, which allows the team to adapt combinations depending on pitch conditions and match situations. Cummins also reaffirmed confidence in a top order comprising Marnus Labuschagne at No.3 and Steve Smith at No.4, with the middle and lower order largely settled.

Following their comprehensive 214-run victory in Durban, Australia aims to leverage its depth and adaptability as it pursues a series-clinching win in the second Test. The players’ health and ongoing form will continue to influence team selection decisions in the lead-up to the match in Gqeberha.