Cameron Green's injury may keep him out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green's chances of participating in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy have diminished significantly due to a back injury that may require surgery.

After experiencing back soreness during the limited-overs tour in the UK, Green flew back home following the third ODI against England. Upon his return, he underwent scans both in England and Australia. However, Cricket Australia's medical team is still working on a recovery plan, and no formal strategy has been announced yet. 

At just 25 years old, Green has faced four previous stress fractures but hasn't had any issues since 2019. He has been closely monitored throughout his first four years in international cricket. If surgery becomes necessary, it would sideline him for the entire summer. Conversely, if a non-surgical recovery plan is adopted, there’s still a chance he could return as a batter this season, although the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain.

Green's absence would force Australia to make adjustments in their batting lineup. Steven Smith could move back to the No. 4 position, which he occupied previously. Smith's batting position will likely be clearer after he returns to Sheffield Shield cricket for New South Wales on Sunday, October 15, against Victoria at the MCG.

If Green is unavailable, and Smith shifts to No. 4, it opens opportunities for other players to fill the opening spots. Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, and Matt Renshaw are all contenders, having been in the running last summer when Smith initially agreed to open.

Harris has made a strong start to the Shield season, scoring 143 runs for Victoria against Tasmania. However, his innings came on a flat pitch at the Junction Oval, where Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster also scored a century. In contrast, Bancroft and Renshaw struggled with low scores in their match for Western Australia against Queensland at the WACA ground.