Australia sweating on fitness of several stars ahead of Test series against Proteas

Australia sweating on fitness of several stars ahead of Test series against Proteas

A wet 'n wild Potchefstroom played host to the dead-rubber ODI on Wednesday. Rain and DLS eventually decided the encounter, with the visitors recording their first win on tour via a 45-run win. But it may have come at some cost.

During Australia's innings, Green was hit in the groin and went down in pain. He was dismissed two balls later and still seemed in significant strife. He hadn't bowled in the series due to a shoulder issue, but was due to bowl on Wednesday. However, Green didn't even take the field for the Proteas' rain-affected effort. All-rounder Green is a key member of the visitors' Test lineup.

Renshaw, however, was on the field. But he copped a full-blooded pull from Ryan Rickelton on the wrist while fielding at a close square leg position and left the park.

"I haven't spoken to them yet, but hopefully both are okay," captain Mitchell Marsh said after the match.

"[Green was] locked in the bowl a few overs today. He had a nice build, and it would have been nice for him to have a bowl. But yeah, it wasn't meant to be, and I'm sure that it won't affect his prep too much, hopefully."

'Hopefully' indeed. Green and Renshaw are among a significant walking wounded list that includes Josh Inglis, who broke his finger, Nathan Ellis, who is out with a side strain, while Jack Edwards and Joel Davies have hamstring issues.

On Wednesday, Test players Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster were forced to substitute field after Green and Renshaw departed.

The first Test gets underway in Durban at Kingsmead on 9 October. 

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