Cameron Green's participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy remains uncertain
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has been forced to withdraw from the ongoing England tour due to a back injury. The severity of his injury and its potential impact on his participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, remains uncertain. Cricket Australia has announced that a comprehensive assessment of Green's condition will be conducted upon his return to Perth. Here's more.
Green's injury surfaced after 3rd England ODI
Green first mentioned feeling discomfort after the third ODI in Chester-le-Street, where he had an impressive outing with both bat and ball. He scored 42 runs before claiming 2 scalps. However, preliminary scans confirmed a back injury, leading to his early departure from the tour. This setback comes just before Australia's crucial 5-match Test series against India. The first Test against India is scheduled to start on November 22 in Perth.
Green's injury history and Australia's injury woes
Green has a history of back issues, having previously experienced stress fractures while progressing through domestic cricket and again in 2019. His absence from the England tour marks another blow for Australia, who have already lost Riley Meredith, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, and Ben Dwarshuis to injuries.
Green's absence could impact Australia's Test series strategy
Green's potential unavailability for the five-Test series against India could significantly affect Australia's strategy. His absence would create a gap in the middle order, potentially prompting a shift in Steven Smith's batting position. This situation might also necessitate the inclusion of a specialist opener to partner with Usman Khawaja, or possibly an external player like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, or Marcus Harris.
Green's absence could affect Australia's bowling strategy
Without Green, Australia may have to reconsider their bowling strategy for the Test series. Pat Cummins had earlier stated that he anticipated Green and Mitchell Marsh would help share the workload with Australia's primary attack during the Tests. Ricky Ponting commented on Sky Sports, "We know with Cameron Green, he has had stress fractures in his back in the past. Let's hope it's not that."
Green's ODI stats and recent performance against England
Green has racked up 626 runs in 28 ODIs averaging 39.12. He owns two fifties and has a highest score of 86* while batting. While bowling the all-rounder has managed 20 wickets in 28 matches averaging 39.20. He owns one five-wicket haul in ODIs. Meanwhile, in the ongoing ODI series versus England, he recorded 74 runs and claimed two wickets from two matches. Before his 42 runs in the 3rd ODI, he scored 32 in the opener.
