Green the latest Australian star to succumb to injury as Konstas launches late Ashes bid

Australia’s Ashes hopes have been dealt another blow with star all-rounder Cameron Green ruled out of the one-day international series starting on Sunday with a side strain.

On the day incumbent opener Sam Konstas scored a half-century for New South Wales against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield in a late bid to save his place in the Test side, Cricket Australia announced Green has “low-grade side soreness”.

He was sore at training this week, sparking questions about his ability to bowl come the Ashes opener in Perth from November 21.

Meanwhile, star batsman Steve Smith returned to Australia this week and has been training in secrecy at Cricket NSW headquarters ahead of a blockbuster summer.

After a hot start to the new season, Marnus Labuschagne has been drafted into Australia’s one-day international squad, replacing Green, for the three-match series against India, beginning in Perth this weekend.

Green is in the frame to return for Western Australia’s next Sheffield Shield game, according to CA, but his injury adds to a long list of concerns for Australia’s fast-bowling stocks, including Test skipper Pat Cummins, who appears almost certain to miss the Perth Test because of a back stress issue. 

Should Green’s injury persist, Tasmania’s Beau Webster, nursing an ankle issue, would likely be in the Ashes selection frame.

Smith is expected to captain the Test team in Cummins’ absence, the batting great having returned from his New York base this week. Smith was in Cricket NSW’s indoor nets on Friday, with cameras banned from filming the session.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald said last week he expects to meet with Cummins and Smith to discuss the captaincy around the time of the one-day international against India at the SCG on October 25.

The Blues expect Smith to play in their next two Shield matches, against Queensland at the Gabba from October 28, and against Victoria at the SCG from November 10. The first Test against England in Perth begins on November 21.

One burning issue remains: just who will partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order?

Just as Melburnians can often sample four seasons in one day in spring, Konstas’ half-century on Friday produced a bit of everything, and gave selectors something to ponder.

Determined to espouse a positive attitude after a first innings duck against Victorian bogey man Scott Boland on Wednesday, the NSW opener scored a promising 53 off 84 delivers in a late bid to retain his Test spot, before Victorian off-spinner Todd Murphy bowled him.

After the Vics had been bowled out for 177 in their second innings, setting the visitors 255 to win, Konstas and fellow opener Blake Nikitaras had the challenge of negotiating a tricky half hour before lunch.

Konstas was off the mark without hesitation, squeezing a Boland delivery through backward point for three.

“Great intent,” former Test batsman Rob Quiney noted in commentary.

In an eventful opening over, Konstas left a delivery which almost clipped off stump, while there was a thick edge through third slip and gully which dashed for four. In the next over, he charged paceman Fergus O’Neill, and followed up again later with a similar bold move, this time resulting in a boundary over mid-off.

By lunch, Konstas had 18 off 22 deliveries, with Nikitaras unbeaten on 19 off 20 deliveries, as the Blues dashed to 0-37 off seven overs.

In the second over after lunch, Konstas reprised memories of his Boxing Day bash against India, setting up early to reverse ramp Boland for six over the slips cordon. While an audacious shot, it was completed with remarkable calmness.

There was also a magnificent upright back-foot cover drive off paceman Mitch Merry for four, prompting a fielder to be sent into the deep.

Victoria went on to win inside three days, with Boland snaring 5-67 in New South Wales’ second innings, to go with his 3-59 in the first innings.

While Konstas launched his late bid for a Test spot, Labuschagne emerged as a likely selection, having had a hot start to the summer with four centuries in five innings, including another ton this week against South Australia.

Selectors could opt to have him open alongside Khawaja, or the Queenslander could slip back into his customary spot at No.3.

The latter option could then allow Tasmanian Jake Weatherald to claim a baggy green cap, for he, too, has been impressive this season at the top of the order. He has three half-centuries in four Shield innings so far this season, including 94 this week against Western Australia at Bellerive Oval.

Should Konstas be overlooked, Quiney insisted it “would not be the end of the world” for the rising star, for more time representing his state could give him the chance to play with greater freedom to “release the shackles”.

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