Australia’s hopes of including all-rounder Cameron Green in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been significantly diminished following his latest injury setback, with back surgery now being considered as a potential treatment option.
Green, 25, has been a pivotal figure in Australia’s cricket lineup since making his international debut, but his participation in the prestigious series against India is now under serious question. The all-rounder sustained a back issue during Australia’s recent limited-overs tour of the United Kingdom, leading to his early return home after complaining of soreness following the third ODI against England at Chester-le-Street.
Cricket Australia (CA) responded by subjecting Green to scans both in the UK and upon his return to Australia. However, as of now, no formal recovery plan has been made public, with CA’s medical team taking a cautious and measured approach in assessing his injury. Green has a history of stress fractures, having suffered four previous episodes, the last of which occurred in 2019. Since then, his management has been closely monitored, with careful attention given to preserving his long-term fitness and career.
While surgery remains one of the options on the table, it would rule Green out for the entire Australian summer, including the eagerly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series, which is crucial for both teams as they prepare for the World Test Championship final. If non-surgical treatment is pursued, there remains a slim chance Green could feature as a batter, though the timeline for his potential return to cricket remains unclear.
Should Green be unavailable, it would prompt a reshuffling of Australia’s batting order. The absence of the all-rounder could see Steven Smith return to his more familiar No. 4 position, a role he filled during much of his career before stepping up to open in recent times. Smith’s potential move to No. 4 has sparked further discussions around the opening slots, with a number of players vying for the role in the absence of Green.
Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw are all being considered as candidates for the opening position, a debate that resurfaced during the Shield season. Harris, fresh off an impressive 143 for Victoria against Tasmania at the Junction Oval, is seen as a front-runner, although his runs came on a flat pitch, drawing mixed reactions. Bancroft and Renshaw, on the other hand, struggled in their first innings of the Shield match between Western Australia and Queensland at the WACA, making low scores that will likely weigh on selectors’ minds.
With Green’s status in limbo, the selection for Australia’s tour of India remains in flux. The team management faces a crucial decision as they seek to balance immediate performance needs with long-term player welfare. The next few days and weeks are expected to provide clarity, particularly as Smith’s exact batting position becomes clearer with his return to Shield cricket for New South Wales against Victoria this weekend at the MCG.
The unfolding situation presents a significant challenge for Australia as it prepares for one of its most important international series in recent years. Should Green’s recovery allow him to return as a batter, his presence would still provide much-needed depth to the Australian lineup. However, should surgery become necessary, the team will have to adapt, possibly with an eye on reshaping their entire top-order structure.
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