:contrast(5)/https://prod.static9.net.au/fs/7dc98429-8d5f-4c4e-8bd0-b74fa0eecdf7 "Cricket news 2023, Australia vs South Africa ODI result, Cameron Green concussed by bouncer video")
Australian star Cameron Green was subbed out of the first one-day international against South Africa over concussion concerns.
Green was struck on the left side of his head while facing Proteas paceman Kagiso Rabada in Bloemfontein in the early hours of Friday (AEST).
The match was paused as Green was checked by medical staff, and broadcast showed some swelling and blood where the ball had struck.
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“That stung Green,” the commentator said.
“You can see the skin broke just behind the left ear, and the swelling.
“This (concussion check) is all necessary given the sickening blow to the head of Cameron Green.
“He hasn’t got much time, he’s got fractions of a second to react to a steep bouncer.”
Green was forced to be subbed out and Marnus Labuschagne came in as concussion replacement.
Cricket Australia later confirmed Green will enter the mandatory eight-day concussion protocols.
Australia was 2-38 at the time of the incident, chasing South Africa’s 222 which was led by a stirring 114 not out from Temba Bavuma.
Bavuma’s teammates – aside from a 32-run cameo from Marco Jansen – let him down and six of them failed to make it into double figures.
Following the Green incident the Aussies also fell in a hole, and in the 17th over were battling at 7-113.
Ironically it was concussion sub Labuschagne who led Australia’s chase, scoring 80 not out to guide the tourists to a three-wicket win.
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Labuschagne has been the benefit of concussion rules previously, when he came into the Test team to replace Steve Smith in 2019 and became an instant Ashes hero.
He was rapt to make an appearance in the Aussie strip in South Africa, albeit in dire circumstances.
“My mum last night was adamant that I was playing,” Labuschagne said after the match.
“I said, ‘Mum, I’m not in the team’ – I guess I’ve just got some weird things that happen around concussion.”
The second ODI begins Saturday night (AEST).