Australia v India: Sean Abbott’s white-ball expertise likely to give him the edge over Cameron Green to replace Marcus Stoinis

Cameron Green was believed to be the frontrunner to replace an injured Marcus Stoinis but his 50-over numbers may count against him.

Marcus Stoinis suffered a side strain in the opening ODI against India. Picture: Getty Images

A young star on the verge of a Test debut could be injected into Australia’s line-up for Sunday’s second ODI … but it might not be Cameron Green.

Sean Abbott is in prime contention to come in as Marcus Stoinis’ injury replacement instead of the 21-year-old prodigy Green, with Moises Henriques and Ashton Agar also in the frame.

Australian selectors brought Green into the white-ball squad for big-time experience heading into a Test summer where he could be unleashed as a major weapon against India.

But Green’s 50-over record doesn’t stand out compared to his eye-watering first-class numbers, and selectors are strong on not handing out caps lightly.

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Marcus Stoinis leaves the field after injuring his left side in the first ODI against India. Picture: Getty Images

Stoinis suffered a low-grade side strain and is unlikely to bowl again in this limited-overs series, but the injury is not expected to affect his Big Bash League campaign.

Abbott rocketed into Australia’s 17-man Test squad on the back of a huge start to the Sheffield Shield summer, but although his status as a bowling all-rounder makes him less likely than batting all-rounder Green to get a debut Test — the NSW star has been on the fringes of the limited-overs set-up for some time.

If Glenn Maxwell was promoted from No.7 to six in the order, it would allow Australia to play Abbott at No.7 and give a major boost to the bowling stocks.

Henriques has an excellent run-scoring record in domestic white-ball cricket and could be favoured if Australia want to prioritise a strong batting line-up, but he hasn’t bowled much in recent times.

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Sean Abbott will boost Australia’s bowling stocks if picked for Game 2 against India. Picture: Getty Images

Selectors may be more inclined to save Green for a first-class Australia A game against India A from December 6-8 at Drummoyne Oval, but Steve Smith said the West Australian wouldn’t be out of place if he is handed an ODI debut.

“Firstly I don’t know how ‘Stoin’ is. Fingers crossed he’s OK. If he’s not then obviously someone has to come in that has to bowl overs. Perhaps Cameron,” Smith said.

“He’s started really well in the Shield season and he’s a bright talent. I faced him for a couple of balls this afternoon in the nets before the game and it was the first time I’ve seen him bowl.

“He bowls a heavy ball. He looks an impressive talent and if he gets an opportunity hopefully he can take it with both hands.”

Nobody knows his own game better than Smith and the batting genius feels primed for a big summer after making a major breakthrough with his form last week in the nets.

Smashing an international hundred off 62 balls isn’t Smith’s normal style, but it’s a sign he is brimming with confidence.

“I’ve been searching for something with my hands. I haven’t felt quite right for a while,” he said.

“It might sound really funny, but everything just clicked into place the other day and I was able to drive the ball where I wanted to. I could beat mid-off on the left side. I wasn’t slicing the ball as much as I was in the IPL and for a little while. I found a nice rhythm again and I’m really pleased by that.”

POSSIBLE AUSTRALIAN TEAM

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques/Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.