Australia’s team to face South Africa in the Test at Kingsmead remains uncertain after Cooper Connolly was separated from the squad with a head cold, while selectors weigh up their batting options on a spinning pitch.
Connolly took part in Australia’s final training session in Durban before putting on a mask and leaving the ground in a separate car from the team bus. His availability is among the issues to be resolved before the XI is confirmed on Friday morning.
Australia could select both Connolly and Nic Maddinson, a move that would leave Beau Webster out of the side. The final decision is expected to follow another assessment of the Kingsmead surface.
Captain Pat Cummins said Australia were still working through the best combination after Cameron Green was ruled out and Josh Inglis was unavailable.
“We’re just trying to work out what we think is the best batting lineup for those conditions, obviously Cam Green’s out,” Cummins said. “You know, Josh Inglis isn’t here as well. So that’s a couple of, kind of, the changes that you’ve got to match up.”
He added: “Conditions is another one. You know, what are they going to throw at us? Everyone brings something a little bit different to it, and it’s just trying to work out what the combo is.”
