Australia has dealt a massive blow in their quest to win back the Border-Gavaskar series as their star all-rounder Cameron Green could miss the entire summer with a back injury. Per the latest reports, Cricket Australia's medical staff has assessed Green's injury, with back surgery emerging as a potential option. In that case, Green will miss the five-Test match series against India starting November 22.
Cricket Australia already has plenty riding on their shoulders, including finding David Warner's replacement at the top. Though Travis Head emerged as the latest option to open alongside Usman Khawaja despite Steve Smith holding onto that spot, Green was one of the names discussed earlier. With Green potentially out of the India Tests, CA must dig in quickly into their domestic setup seeking answers.
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Meanwhile, Green flew home from the UK in September after complaining of back soreness following the third ODI against England. He underwent scans in England and Australia (upon landing), with CA's medical team taking their time before going public with a final announcement.
Although Green, 25, has had four stress fractures before but none since 2019, CA managed his workload remarkably in the first four years of his international career.
With Green having two options and time seems to run out for him and the hosts, all parties involved will come up with a final decision sooner. In the case of Green undergoing back surgery, he will miss the entire home summer, including the white-ball series against Pakistan; however, if he decides against going for it, Green could play, but only as a batter.
If Green is ruled out of the India series, Australia will have to reshuffle the batting order, bringing Smith back to his original position of number four. In that case, Australia's middle order would have Marnus (at 3) and Smith to follow, with Head and Mitchell Marsh playing at number five and six, respectively. Keeper-batter Alex Carey will play at number seven.
That, however, will continue to leave the door open for an opener's slot, with domestic giants Marcus Harris, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Bancroft leading the race.
(With inputs from agencies)