Cameron Green’s participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India is in jeopardy due to a persistent back injury. The Australian allrounder has been experiencing back soreness since the third ODI against England in the UK, and scans have revealed a potential stress fracture.
Cricket Australia’s medical and high-performance team is currently evaluating Green’s condition and considering various recovery options, including surgery. If surgery is deemed necessary, it would rule Green out of the entire summer, including the four-Test series against India.
However, if a non-surgical recovery plan is adopted, there is a possibility that Green could still play as a batter only later in the summer. The timeframe for his potential return is yet to be determined.
Green’s absence from the series would have a significant impact on Australia’s batting order. It could pave the way for Steven Smith to move back to his preferred position at No. 4, opening up a spot for an opener to be selected from Shield cricket.
Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw are all in contention for the opening slot. Harris has made a strong start to the Shield season with a century for Victoria, while Bancroft and Renshaw have had less impressive performances in the first innings of their respective matches.
The decision on Green’s availability and the batting order for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is expected to be made in the coming days. If Green is ruled out, it would be a major blow to Australia’s hopes of retaining the trophy against India.
