Cameron Green’s Injury Set to Sideline Him for Australia’s Test Summer
Australia’s Test cricket plans have taken a major blow, with rising star Cameron Green facing the possibility of missing the entire summer due to a back injury. Green, who is a key player for Australia both as a bowler and batter, may not be available for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, a significant part of Australia’s summer cricket season.
On Tuesday, reports from Nine newspapers suggested that Green was unlikely to bowl this summer because of a stress-related back injury. Team officials had initially hoped Green could return as a batter for Australia A’s match against India A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in early November. However, more recent developments have cast doubt on his availability for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth.
Peter Lalor of Cricket Et Al revealed that Green is now “no chance” to play in Perth due to the severity of his back injury. He is reportedly preparing to fly to New Zealand for surgery, which would likely rule him out for the remainder of the summer.
At 25 years old, Green’s ability to contribute as both a bowler and batter has made him an essential figure in the Australian side. While he may still play in the later Tests against India, particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, it is uncertain whether he will be able to bowl. His absence as an all-rounder means Australia will need to consider backup bowlers, such as Scott Boland and Michael Neser, for upcoming matches.
If Green’s role is limited to batting, there is also speculation that he could be asked to open. Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann has suggested Green might step into the role if Steve Smith moves back to his preferred No. 4 position following David Warner’s retirement.
“For me, Smith goes to four, there’s no doubt about that,” Lehmann said in an interview with the ABC. “That means either Green has to open or they go for a traditional opener.”
Green’s potential shift to opener would be a significant change for the team, further complicating Australia’s Test selection strategy as they prepare for a crucial summer series against India.
