Australia's Cameron Green doubtful for India Tests after back injury cuts England trip short

Sept. 27, 2024, 6:19 p.m.

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Australia’s Cameron Green chances of featuring in the marquee Test series against India later this year suddenly appeared doubtful after he was ruled out of the ongoing white-ball tour of England with a back-injury.

The 25-year-old all-rounder experienced discomfort after the conclusion of the weather-affected third ODI at Chester-le-Street, which England secured by 46 runs (DLS Method), reviving their series hopes after losing the first two encounters.

Green was ruled out of the remainder of the five-match series ahead of the fourth ODI, which got underway at Lord’s earlier on Friday.

Advertisement The all-rounder, returning home to commence rehabilitation ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Test series starting in November, faces a challenging recovery period to be fit for the highly anticipated series against the current World Test Championship (WTC) leaders.

Medical imaging revealed a back injury for the cricketer. A timeline for his potential return to competition will be established after additional assessments in Australia.

According to cricket.com.au, an Australia men’s team spokesperson said the extent of the injury and a timeline for his return “wouldn’t be known until the player arrives home in Perth for further assessment”.

The cricketer reported discomfort after the match in Chester-le-Street, where he claimed 2 wickets for 45 runs and contributed 45 runs with the bat.

He was omitted from the second ODI at Headingley as a precautionary measure to manage his workload, having bowled in the previous six matches of their UK tour.

Green, who has a history of back problems, was restricted from bowling during the 2019-20 season due to a stress fracture in his lower back.

The inaugural Test match against India is almost two months away, scheduled to begin on 22 November in Perth.

Green's international debut came against India during the inaugural Test of the memorable 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide.

India suffered a crushing eight-wicket defeat in the Pink-Ball Test, collapsing to a paltry 36 runs in their second innings. Captain Virat Kohli also departed for India after the match due to personal reasons.

However, the visiting team staged a remarkable comeback as Ajinkya Rahane took over the captaincy for the remaining matches of the tour.

India secured victories in the second and fourth Tests at Melbourne and Brisbane, respectively, and fought hard to earn a draw in Sydney, culminating in a historic series triumph - their second consecutive victory Down Under.