Cameron Green ruled out of remaining ODIs against England due to back injury

Australia is anxiously awaiting further news on allrounder Cameron Green's fitness after he was ruled out of the final two one-day internationals (ODIs) against England due to a back injury. Green, who reported soreness following the third ODI in Durham, underwent scans and has now left the tour to return home for further assessment.

“Cameron Green has sustained a back injury and will play no further part in the ODI tour of England. Scans in London revealed the injury after Green reported soreness following the third ODI. He will return home for further assessment where his return to play management plan will be determined," Cricket Australia said in a statement.

This injury is particularly concerning for Australia, as Green has had a history of back issues, including stress fractures during his early domestic career and again in 2019, just before his Test debut.

“Obviously disappointing for him. He’ll go home and get things sorted. He’s been through this before. It’s disappointing, but Cam knows how to get back," Travis Head said.

While no timeline has been set for Green's return, there are concerns about the impact this injury could have on Australia's preparations for their upcoming home summer, including the crucial Test series against India. Green, who recently made a career-best 174 not out in Wellington, is a key figure in Australia's Test line-up and his absence could force changes to the team’s batting order.

If Green is sidelined, it might open up a middle-order spot for Steven Smith to return to his preferred No. 4 position, or give opportunities to specialist openers like Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, or Marcus Harris. Renshaw was the reserve batter earlier this year after David Warner's retirement.

Green’s injury also creates a challenge for Australia's bowling plans. Captain Pat Cummins recently highlighted the importance of Green and fellow allrounder Mitchell Marsh in managing the bowling workload during the Tests. If Green is unable to bowl but can still bat, Australia may have to rethink how they balance the side, with more pressure on Marsh to contribute with the ball.

Ricky Ponting weighed in, saying, “We know with Cameron Green, he has had stress fractures in his back in the past. Let’s hope it’s not that. They still have the option of playing him as a batsman if it’s not too bad.”

Green was expected to play at least one Sheffield Shield match in October before Australia’s home season begins. Pakistan will visit for T20Is and ODIs, followed by the Test series against India, which starts on November 22 in Perth.