Steve Smith offers Australia injury scare after leaving training with sore back

Meanwhile, Justin Langer has confirmed that 21-year-old Cameron Green will make his Test debut if he is passed fit

Steve Smith left Australia’s training session early two days out from the first Test of a four-match series against India, adding another concern amid the hosts’ injury-ravaged preparations.

Although the Australian camp played down Smith’s absence from the nets that followed an initial fielding session, it was confirmed that he was suffering from a sore back.

He is expected to train on Wednesday, however, on the eve of the start of the series.

Any worries over Smith added to a troubled build-up for Justin Langer’s side, who are already missing David Warner to a groin injury and Will Pucovski to concussion, with Mitchell Starc on personal leave.

The reinvention and reignition of Matthew Wade

Uncapped allrounder Cameron Green also suffered a concussion during an appearance for Australia A in a warmup game against the touring Indian side. However, Langer has confirmed that the 21-year-old will make his Test debut if available.

“If he’s passed fit, he’ll definitely play,” he said. “He had another test this morning that we got good news on.”

Green’s inclusion in the middle order means that Matthew Wade will provide the short-term answer to Australia’s opening query, with the left-hander partnering either Marcus Harris or Joe Burns at the top of the order.

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