3 minute read

Injured allrounder Marcus Stoinis is in doubt for the second ODI between Australia and India, meaning 21-year-old Cameron Green could soon debut at the SCG.

Australia could unleash uncapped prodigy Cameron Green when they pursue an ODI series victory over India at the SCG on Sunday.

The hosts crushed Virat Kohli's side by 66 runs in Friday's series opener, when Steve Smith and Aaron Finch both scored centuries in a total of 6-374.

The only sour note for coach Justin Langer, apart from a couple of dropped catches and a remarkably late finish to the match, was Marcus Stoinis' injury.

The allrounder trudged off the field during his seventh over and never returned, with follow-up scans revealing a low-grade side strain.

"He's a pretty big weapon in our team, so it will be disappointing if he can't play," Adam Zampa said.

The setback is not serious but Stoinis will be managed carefully and the incredibly short break between games in Sydney means the 31-year-old is set to miss Sunday's clash.

Australia, already unable to call on allrounder Mitch Marsh because of his ankle injury, will likely promote Green, Moises Henriques or Sean Abbott.

Henriques boasts plenty of experience, while Abbott is in red-hot form with ball and bat.

But Green is the 21-year-old who has long been billed as the nation's next great allrounder.

The West Australian recently returned to bowling after a back stress fracture and, on Friday, continued his knack of making good first impressions on astute judges.

"I faced him for a couple of balls in the nets before the game and it's the first time I've seen him bowl. He bowls a heavy ball," Smith told reporters.

"He looks an impressive talent and if he gets an opportunity, hopefully he can take it with both hands.

"He's started really well in the Shield season.

"I don't know how Stoin is, fingers crossed he's OK, but if he's not then obviously someone has to come in."

Former selector and Test skipper Greg Chappell has described Green as the best batting talent he has seen since Ricky Ponting.

Green made an eye-catching Sheffield Shield debut in 2017, impressing current selectors Langer and George Bailey.

Langer was coaching WA at the time, while Bailey was captaining Tasmania.

Green admitted earlier this month his best form had come in four-day cricket rather than white-ball games.

"But having said that, I'm going to have an open mind," he said.

"If I don't play then I'll get a lot of experience ... no better place to keep learning and evolving your game than around world-class coaches and players."

Meanwhile, Smith is upbeat his quickfire hundred is the start of something special this season.

"Hopefully it holds me in good stead for the rest of the summer," he said.

"I found a nice rhythm again and I'm really pleased."