Cricket: Green ruled out of Australia v India Test series

Australian cricket star Cameron Green has been ruled out for the 2024-25 summer, leaving the Test team with a hole to fill for the upcoming series against India.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed in a statement on Monday morning that the allrounder will undergo surgery on a back injury that cut short his involvement in the recent tour of the UK.

Further assessment since Green’s return has revealed a stress fracture in his lower back, as well as a “unique defect” that could be aggravating the issue.

“Whilst spine stress fractures are not unusual in pace bowlers, Cam has a unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture that is believed to be contributing to the injury,” the CA statement said.

“After thorough consultation it was determined Cameron would benefit from the surgery to stabilise the defect and reduce the risk of future recurrence.

“The surgery has been performed successfully with elite pace bowlers in the past. Recovery time is anticipated to be around six months.

“The decision to proceed to surgery is with Cameron’s long-term future as an allrounder in mind.”

The news means Green will miss the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, as well as the Test tour of Sri Lanka and the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan early next year.

It also puts him in doubt for the 2025 Indian Premier League T20 competition.

In the meantime, national selectors have a few questions to answer before the first Test against India kicks off in Perth on November 22.

With ongoing concerns over Mitchell Marsh’s bowling capabilities, in-form allrounders Aaron Hardie and Beau Webster could come into the equation.

Also, the now-vacant No.4 slot could allow Steve Smith to move back into the middle order, meaning Usman Khawaja would need a new opening partner.

Queensland’s Matthew Renshaw was the backup for the tour of New Zealand earlier this year, while Western Australia’s Cameron Bancroft has made a strong case for a recall over the past few seasons.

Another option is Victoria’s Marcus Harris, who opened his Sheffield Shield campaign with a first-innings century against Tasmania last week.

Renshaw, Bancroft and Harris have all been tried at Test level, with none averaging better than 30.

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