Cameron Green to miss out 1st Test match at Nagpur, says Steve Smith

Australia's injury crisis deepened just ahead of the first Test match in Nagpur, with Steve Smith confirming Cameron Green is unlikely to feature in the opening game starting on February 9. Green - Australia's only fast bowling all-rounder suffering from a finger injury, which was set to limit his bowling time in the 1st Test match. Australia had been expected to play him as a specialist batsman, however Smith said in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday 7 February that Green had not faced a single delivery from the fast bowler in the nets.

The batsman went on to talk about the injury problems Australia are facing in their senior team and said Hazlewood's injury has been a big problem for the team. "(Josh) Hazelwood's injury is a big loss for us, but Lance (Morris) is a good pitcher, (Scott) Boland has been good. His natural length will suit those kinds of pitches. Lance obviously has the pace he has in the air,"  the former captain said at a press conference.

Australia are currently at the top of the World Test Championship points table and are set to play in the final of the tournament. The team will have to beat the clean sweepers India to play in the finals of the second edition of the tournament. India, on the other hand, need to win the Test series to reach the final.