Cameron Green is expected to miss Sheffield Shield cricket as he recovers from back surgery, focusing on being fit for his County Championship участиt with Gloucestershire.
Last month, Green expressed hope to play in Western Australia’s final Shield match on March 15 as a batter. However, despite practicing in the nets, it’s now understood he’s unlikely to play before the domestic season ends. Western Australia does not anticipate his availability for the Victoria match or the Shield final.
Green needs regular back scans to monitor his recovery after surgery in October. His comeback is likely with Gloucestershire against Kent on April 18 in the County Championship Division Two.
Green has a five-game deal with Gloucestershire, supported by a club member’s donation. These matches are before the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. Cricket Australia’s medical team will decide if he can play five first-class matches before the WTC final, especially after a long break from cricket and without bowling.
Green is in consideration for the WTC final in June as a specialist batter, a role different from his usual all-rounder position in his 28 Tests. Australia also has a West Indies tour in June, but Green won’t bowl until later in the year, aiming for the home Ashes in November.
His role as a batter creates competition in Australia’s batting lineup. Despite scoring 174 not out at No. 4 previously, Steven Smith’s return to that position means Green might bat elsewhere for the WTC final against South Africa.
Travis Head will return to No. 5 after opening in Sri Lanka, requiring a new opener alongside Usman Khawaja. Sam Konstas is a potential opener and aims to play County Championship cricket.
Green could bat at No. 3 or No. 6, potentially replacing Marnus Labuschagne or Beau Webster. Leaving out Webster would reduce Australia’s seam bowling options, possibly less critical for a single Test in England in June. Josh Inglis’s recent form also makes him a strong contender for selection. Australia’s 15-man squad will be named in May.
