Australia's Cameron Green eyes return ahead of WTC final
What's the story
Australian cricketer Cameron Green aims to make a Sheffield Shield comeback for Western Australia before the domestic summer ends, with plans to play County cricket in England.
His primary goal is to secure a spot as a batter in the team for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June.
Meanwhile, Green has been sidelined since October following back surgery to address a fifth stress fracture in his lower back.
Here's more.
Recovery progress
Green's recovery and potential return to Sheffield Shield
Green's recovery from back surgery is progressing ahead of schedule. He began running in early January and has been batting for several weeks.
However, his return to bowling won't happen until much later this year, well after the WTC final and Australia's three-Test Caribbean tour.
Meanwhile, Western Australia remain hopeful that Green could feature as a batter in a Shield match by late February or early March.
Return plans
Green's potential return to Sheffield Shield and county cricket
Green confirmed his possible return in WA's last Shield game of the home and away season against Victoria at the WACA ground on March 15.
However, he would require clearance from CA's medical staff to be cleared for that game.
Apart from this, Green is eyeing a county stint in England before the WTC final.
Eight rounds of championship fixtures are scheduled in April and May, which could give him enough opportunity for match practice.
Team dynamics
Green's return could impact Australia's top order
Green's return to fitness could squeeze Australia's top order.
He made 174*, batting at No. 4 in his second last Test against New Zealand in March last year but Steve Smith has returned to No. 4 in style, scoring three centuries in his last four Test matches against India and Sri Lanka.
Travis Head is set to move back to No. 5 for the WTC final despite opening in the first Test against Sri Lanka, adding another layer of complexity.
Stats
A look at Green's Test numbers
The batting all-rounder has amassed 1,377 runs across 28 Tests (43 innings) at an average of 36.23.
He also boasts two hundreds and six fifties, while boasting a high score of 174* (vs New Zealand).
Meanwhile, in 2024, Green managed 302 runs at an average of 50.33 across four matches, while also smashing a ton (174*).