Australia’s much-awaited Test challenge on Indian soil is all set to get underway on February 9 in Nagpur. The series will be essential in determining the top two spots in the World Test Championship.

With less than a week to go for the opening Test, Australia skipper Pat Cummins has confirmed that all-rounder Cameron Green will not be bowling in Nagpur.

Notably, Green underwent surgery to repair his right index finger, which got fractured during the Boxing-Day Test against South Africa in December 2022.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Cummins said the next week is really important for Green’s recovery.

“I know he won’t be bowling (in the first Test). The next week’s obviously really important,” said Cummins.

“He hasn’t been able to do a lot yet. I think the nature of that particular injury is once it comes good, it comes good really quickly. Hopefully we’re at that stage where the next week, it really does improve a lot,” he added.

Cummins also showered rich praise on Australia’s pace attack, saying he backs Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland to do a fantastic job despite the spin-friendly conditions in India.

“I doubt that’s kind of an option for the first Test, but we’ll wait and see with the conditions. Again, you look at our team, players like Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, they’re top class bowlers, so even though it might be spinning conditions, it’s hard to bet against those guys not doing a fantastic job,” said the Australian captain.

During the India tour, Australia will also play Test matches in Delhi (February 17-21), Dharamshala (March 1-5) and Ahmedabad (March 9-13).