Australia faces a significant setback ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy as all-rounder Cameron Green will be available only as a batter for the first three Tests of the series against India. Green, who has been sidelined with a back injury, is expected to miss bowling duties at least for the initial part of the Test series.

Green suffered a back injury during the 3rd ODI against England, forcing him to withdraw from the match and return to Australia for treatment. Despite the injury ruling him out of bowling, Green is expected to feature in the Test squad as a batter, providing some relief for the Australian team.

The 24-year-old was also pulled out of Sheffield Shield matches as a precautionary measure. While Green’s return as a batter is positive news, his absence as a bowler will be felt by Australia, leaving Mitchell Marsh to take on additional bowling responsibilities during the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Cameron Green’s Injury Details Green first reported discomfort in his back during the final ODI against England, prompting team officials to fly him back to Perth for further assessment. According to former Australia team doctor Peter Brukner, back stress injuries often result from excessive workload, particularly from bowling, while batting and fielding generally do not put as much strain on the body.

Brukner noted that players with back stress injuries are typically sidelined from bowling until they are fully recovered, as any additional workload could worsen the condition.

Expected Return Cameron Green is expected to return to action in early November for an Australia A vs India A match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). However, it is likely he will be limited to batting until fully fit to resume bowling.

IND vs AUS Test Series Schedule 1st Test: November 22-26, Perth Stadium
2nd Test: December 6-10, Adelaide Oval
3rd Test: December 14-18, The Gabba
4th Test: December 26-30, Melbourne Cricket Ground
5th Test: January 3-7, Sydney Cricket Ground

With Green limited to batting, Australia’s bowling unit will need to adjust to the absence of his contributions with the ball during the crucial first few matches of the series.

Cameron Green ruled out of England ODIs due to back injury

Aditya Bhagchandani — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 10:17:22 +0000

Australia’s allrounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the remaining two ODIs against England due to a back injury. The news comes after Green reported soreness following the third ODI in Durham, where he bowled a series of short balls. Green has already left the tour to return home for further assessment.

Injury Details and Green’s Return

According to a statement from Cricket Australia, Green underwent scans in London that revealed the back injury. “Cameron Green has sustained a back injury and will play no further part in the ODI tour of England,” the statement read. His return to play will be determined after further evaluation in Australia. Green has previously suffered stress fractures in his back, particularly in 2019, before making his Test debut.

Travis Head, speaking after the Lord’s ODI, expressed disappointment over the situation but remained hopeful about Green’s recovery. “He’ll go home and get things sorted. It’s disappointing, but he’s been through these things before and knows the way to get back.”

Impact on Australia’s Summer Plans

If Green faces an extended layoff, it could affect Australia’s preparation for their home season, particularly the Test series against India. Green recently made a mark with his 174 not out in Wellington, re-establishing himself as a key player in the Test lineup. His absence could impact Australia’s batting order, allowing for possible reshuffles, including moving Steven Smith back to No. 4 and bringing in a new opener alongside Usman Khawaja.

Coach Andrew McDonald had previously stated that the incumbent top six of the Test side would remain unchanged, barring injury. However, Green’s unavailability could open doors for players like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, or Marcus Harris. Renshaw was the reserve batter during the series against West Indies and New Zealand following David Warner’s retirement.

Bowling Concerns and Future Outlook

Beyond his batting, Green’s bowling overs have been crucial for balancing the workload with Australia’s frontline attack. If Green’s injury limits his bowling, there is still a possibility to use him as a specialist batter. Ricky Ponting, speaking on Sky Sports, remarked, “We know with Cameron Green, he has had stress fractures in his back in the past. Let’s hope it’s not that.”

Green’s absence would place more responsibility on Mitchell Marsh, who has recently returned to bowling after an injury during the IPL. Marsh’s role as a pace-bowling allrounder would be critical in filling the void left by Green.

Upcoming Matches

Green was expected to play at least one Sheffield Shield match in October before the start of Australia’s international season. With Pakistan visiting for T20Is and ODIs, followed by the Tests against India starting on November 22 in Perth, his recovery timeline will be closely watched by the Australian team management.

Cameron Green | Cricket Outlook

Cameron Green set to play as batter only in India vs Australia Test series due to back injury

Cameron Green ruled out of England ODIs due to back injury