Cameron Green has been ruled out of the remainder of Australia’s ODI series against England and is facing a race against time to be fit for the summer’s five-Test series against India, after suffering a back injury.
The star all-rounder, who was set to play a crucial role in Australia’s attempt to defeat India in a Test series for the first time in ten years, complained of back soreness following the team’s 46-run loss in the third ODI in Durham earlier in the week.
Scans have since confirmed a back injury, with Green sidelined from the team for the fourth ODI of the series at Lord’s and ruled out for the fifth and final match of the series.
The 25-year old will head home to Perth for further assessment, which will determine the extent of the injury and whether his summer of cricket will indeed be jeopardised.
Cameron Green has suffered a back injury on Australia’s tour of England. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Green was among Australia’s best in their loss in Durham that ended a 14-run winning streak in ODIs dating back to the 2023 World Cup, scoring 42 with the bat and picking up 2/45.
He was also the leading wicket-taker during Australia’s 3-0 T20I series sweep of Scotland.
The blow continues a nightmare injury run for Australia during their tour of the UK that has pushed their bowling stocks to the brink, with quicks Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Riley Meredith and Ben Dwarshuis all ruled out of the tour and forcing selectors to turn to U19s World Cup hero Mahli Beardman as a shock back-up.
A potential Green absence could generate further debate over Australia’s optimum batting line-up for the summer’s five Tests, with champion Steve Smith having moved to open the batting to accommodate Green’s return to the team in his favoured No.4 position following David Warner’s Test retirement.
If Green is sidelined, Smith could well move back to the No.4 position he has made his own over the last decade, with specialist openers Cameron Bancroft and Matt Renshaw back in the selection frame.
The first Test against India is scheduled for Optus Stadium in Perth on November 22, with the series to be proceeded by three ODIs and three T20Is against Pakistan.
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