Cameron Green’s injury has cast a shadow over Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. The all-rounder’s absence could pave the way for Cameron Bancroft’s Test recall, according to former skipper Mark Taylor.
Green has been ruled out of the five-match series due to a stress fracture in his lower back. The 25-year-old has a history of back injuries, having suffered four stress fractures in the past. However, he had been clear of any issues since 2019.
Green’s absence will force Australia to reshuffle their batting order. Taylor believes that Steve Smith will move back to his preferred number four spot, leaving the opening position vacant.
“I’d love to see a right-handed opening batsman get the opportunity,” Taylor said. “And to me at the moment … I would have Bancroft penciled in alongside (Usman) Khawaja.”
Bancroft has been in impressive form in the Sheffield Shield, topping the run-scoring charts for the past two years. He has also served a nine-month ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident.
Taylor also suggested that young opener Sam Konstas could be included in the Test squad. Konstas has scored back-to-back centuries against South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series will begin on November 22 in Perth. Australia will be looking to retain the trophy after winning the previous edition in 2020-21.
