Australia are considering significant changes to their playing XI for the third Test against South Africa, with Cameron Green and Nathan Lyon in contention to feature in the series decider in Cape Town. Scott Boland could be the one to make way if Lyon returns, while Matt Renshaw is expected to move up the order to accommodate Green.

Australia head into the final Test after suffering an innings-and-31-run defeat in Gqeberha, which levelled the three-match series at 1-1.

Australia ponder colossal changes for Test series decider against South Africa

Cameron Green is available again after recovering from an abdominal muscle tear sustained during the tour. His return would give Australia another all-round option, although the team must also decide how to accommodate him in the batting order.

Matt Renshaw, who scored a career-best 190 in Australia's opening Test win in Durban, batted in the middle order during the second match. However, his recent practice against the new ball at Newlands suggests he could return to the opening position, allowing Green to slot in at No. 4 or No. 5, as per a report in CODE Sports. This means Nic Maddinson will be dropped.

Nathan Lyon is also in contention for a recall, with the veteran spinner reportedly taking a close look at the Cape Town pitch during training. A surface with limited grass could encourage Australia to include an additional specialist spinner after their heavy defeat in the second Test.

Scott Boland likely to be dropped on Nathan Lyon's return despite his heroics

Boland could be an unfortunate casualty if Australia decide to bring Lyon back into the XI. The fast bowler was among Australia's better performers in Gqeberha, taking five wickets for 81 runs in South Africa's first innings.

He removed Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman and David Bedingham early before returning to dismiss Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen. However, Temba Bavuma's 179 and contributions from Jansen and Simon Harmer helped South Africa reach 425/9 declared.

Scott Boland also showed considerable patience with the bat in Australia's second innings. Coming in during a difficult situation, he scored 40 off 166 deliveries and helped Alex Carey resist South Africa's attack before Australia were bowled out for 295.

Despite those efforts, Australia's selection priorities could change if the team wants Lyon's spin as an additional option at Newlands. With the Big 3 likely to be retained, the axe might fall on Scott Boland.

Cameron Green wants to bat in middle order

Cameron Green has confirmed that he is fit to return after recovering quicker than expected from his injury. The all-rounder said he was surprised by how well he felt only a few weeks after suffering the abdominal muscle tear.

"I'm all good to go. Pretty surprised with how quick it's actually healed or how functional I feel only a few weeks after," Cameron Green said.

Cameron Green also made his preference for batting in the middle order clear, although he remains willing to adapt to Australia's requirements.

"I think I've had a lot of experience up and down the order. I think I'm well suited at four and five, but obviously we've had some pretty incredible cricketers bat in those positions. So I'm very happy to move up and down the order depending on what the team wants."

Cameron Green is also looking forward to facing Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who took 12 wickets between them in the second Test.

"They're obviously at the very top of their game at the moment. They're probably [in] the top few bowlers in the world. You always love those challenges. You want to step up against those guys and show what you can do."