Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is facing a significant challenge in his cricket career as he considers undergoing back surgery. This decision has cast a shadow over his participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, which is set to begin soon.
Green, 25, has been dealing with back soreness since his return from the UK limited-overs tour. He complained of discomfort following the third ODI against England at Chester-le-Street and subsequently flew back to Australia for further evaluation. Despite having had four previous stress fractures, none since 2019, Green's current injury is severe enough to warrant serious consideration of surgery.
Surgery is among several recovery options being discussed by Cricket Australia's medical and high-performance team. If Green decides to undergo surgery, it would likely rule him out for the entire summer, impacting Australia's Test batting lineup significantly. However, if a non-surgical recovery plan is chosen, there is a possibility he could still play cricket this summer as a batter only, although the timeframe for his availability remains uncertain.
Impact on Australia's Test Team
Green's potential absence from the series would necessitate a reshuffling of Australia's batting order. This could see Steven Smith moving back to his preferred position at No. 4, opening up opportunities for other players in the top order. The likes of Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw are all in contention to fill the opening spots, having performed well in recent Sheffield Shield matches.
Harris made an impressive start to the Shield season by scoring 143 for Victoria against Tasmania on a placid pitch at the Junction Oval. Meanwhile, Bancroft and Renshaw faced challenges in their first innings against Western Australia and Queensland respectively, but they remain strong contenders for selection.
Recovery Timeline and Next Steps
Green's return to Sheffield Shield cricket for New South Wales against Victoria on Sunday will provide an indication of his batting position for the series. If he is unavailable due to surgery or prolonged recovery, it will be crucial for Australia's selectors to identify suitable replacements quickly.
The medical team's cautious approach in assessing Green's condition underscores the importance of ensuring his long-term health and fitness. While surgery might seem like an extreme measure, it is a legitimate option given the severity of his injury.
As Australia prepares for one of its most significant Test series against India, the uncertainty surrounding Green's participation adds an extra layer of complexity. The team's strategy and lineup will likely be influenced by his availability, making this a critical period in Australian cricket.
