Green cleared for Cape Town decider as Cummins signals Australia shake-up

Cameron Green is available for the final Test against South Africa at Newlands, almost a month on from the abdominal injury that forced him out of the tour, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Green has not featured since he was hurt during the final ODI against South Africa on 30 September, and he will not be able to bowl when the series-deciding Test begins in Cape Town.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Green would prefer to bat at No. 4 or No. 5 but has left the final call on his position to Australia's selectors.

His return is being weighed alongside wider changes to the Test XI after Australia suffered an innings-and-31-run defeat in the second Test in Gqeberha, a result that levelled the series at 1-1 following their 214-run win in the opener, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

Captain Pat Cummins indicated the heavy loss had prompted a rethink of personnel. "It's always that delicate balance," Cummins said. "Do you feel like someone's just about to turn the corner and they're going to be away? Or does it now feel like the right time for change?"

Cummins added that selection would be discussed in the build-up to Cape Town. "So that's what will be spoken about in the next few days," he said. "We'll probably have Cam Green and Josh Inglis be available for next week. I'm sure their names will get thrown around when we try to work out an XI."

Per Yahoo Sports, Green would come back purely as a batter given his recent injury history, while Inglis offers Cummins an additional batting option following the collapse in Gqeberha.

Nic Maddinson, who has struggled for runs across the first two Tests, was named by Yahoo Sports as one of the players under pressure for his place, with Beau Webster also facing scrutiny ahead of the decider.

Marnus Labuschagne has been singled out by Cummins for a more pointed warning, with the captain making clear that scores in the 30s will not be sufficient at this level.

The broader mood around the touring party was captured by former batter Simon Katich, who told Cricket365 that "There are a number of players playing for their careers in this innings."

Australia go into the Newlands Test with the series tied at 1-1, needing a result to avoid South Africa taking the rubber, and Cummins's comments suggest the top order in particular will come under close selection scrutiny before the XI is finalised.