Australia suffered an injury scare in the first ODI against South Africa today (September 7) when Cameron Green retired hurt after being hit on the helmet by a Kagiso Rabada bouncer.

Green came out to bat at No.4 for Australia in a run-chase of 223 after Rabada dismissed Mitchell Marsh caught behind in the sixth over of the innings. However, his stay at the crease was a short one as a sharp, rising bouncer by Rabada hit him on the side of the helmet two balls into his innings.

Green was pressing onto his front foot and got himself into a tangle. In the end, he had to take his eyes off the ball and ducked into it. The ball crashed into the left side of his helmet, causing the skin behind his ear to swell up and cut.

As is the protocol for batters getting hit on the head these days, the physio came rushing out and ran a concussion test. Green, who looked a little disoriented after the blow, consequently retired hurt, giving Australia a scare less than a month ahead of the World Cup. Marnus Labuschagne was confirmed as the concussion substitute for Green.

Green has previously suffered a concussion after being hit on the head. During India’s tour game against Australia A, he was hit on the side of his head by a Jasprit Bumrah straight drive while bowling, ruling him out of the rest of the match.

Australia will be hoping that this is just a case of mild concussion and that Green hasn’t suffered a more serious injury.

Earlier in the game, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma stole the show with his solo act. Opening the batting, he finished unbeaten with 114* as South Africa collapsed for 222 on a surface with uneven bounce.

In reply, Australia lost their first five wickets for 72, with Labuschagne, the concussion substitute for Green, coming out to bat at No.7.

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