Brief

Matt Renshaw set to open in Cape Town as Cameron Green returns to Australia’s Test side

Renshaw moves back to opening after a 190‑run innings, and Green aims for a No 4/5 spot following a rare side‑muscle strain.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 25 Oct 2026 09:15:39 GMT

Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green are set to feature prominently for Australia in the third Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, on Thursday, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

What happened

During a Saturday training session at Newlands, Renshaw faced the brand‑new ball in the nets, signalling his return to the opening position after two Tests at No 5. Green, who suffered a “really bizarre” abdominal injury in the ODI series, also took a new‑ball session before moving to a centre‑wicket bowling spell, though he will play only as a batsman in the upcoming Test.

What the reports add

The article notes that Green’s injury occurred when he attempted a hook shot after being struck on the box in Potchefstroom, resulting in a side‑muscle strain more commonly seen in tennis players. Green described the incident as a “coincidence” linking the hit to the tear. He also recalled his previous Test encounter with South Africa at the 2025 World Test Championship final in London, where he made a duck at No 3 and faced a challenging spell from Kagiso Rabada.

What was said

Green told the outlet, “It was really bizarre. I think there’s definitely a pretty clear link between getting hit and then doing the injury – I think it’s too much of a coincidence for them not to be related.” He added, “I got hit where you don’t want to get hit, and then two balls later I went to play a shot just behind the wicket. I had to lengthen my muscle… it tore through.” The player also said his immediate thoughts were to consult medical staff about the timeline for recovery, noting the rarity of the injury and his decision to stay with the group until cleared.

How it came about

Renshaw’s shift back to opening follows a career‑best 190‑run innings at No 5 in the Durban Test, which prompted speculation about his flexibility in the batting order. Earlier Felo News coverage highlighted Pat Cummins’ suggestion that Renshaw could open in the Gqeberha Test and Wade Townsend’s crediting of a winter overhaul for Renshaw’s resurgence. Green’s return follows a period out of the side after the side‑muscle strain forced him to miss the first two Tests of the series.

Key facts

• Matt Renshaw will open for Australia in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town. (smh.com.au)
• Cameron Green is returning to the Test side as a batsman after a side‑muscle injury. (smh.com.au)
• Green’s injury occurred after being struck on the box while attempting a hook shot in Potchefstroom. (smh.com.au)
• Renshaw previously scored 190 runs at No 5 in the Durban Test. (smh.com.au)
• Green prefers batting at No 4 or No 5 but is willing to bat anywhere for the team. (smh.com.au)

Sources

• [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Australian training choices suggest Matthew Renshaw will open in third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with Cameron Green eyeing return to middle order”