Australia likely to play the Border Gavaskar Trophy sans Cameron Green

Australia seems to have sustained a major setback ahead of the all-important Border Gavaskar Trophy. The Australia vs India red-ball series is slated to unfold at the Australian den this year. However, as the Kangaroos prepare to host India for the five-match Test series, shadow has been cast on the availability of a key player in the squad. Cameron Green, an integral part of the Australian Test side is likely to miss the Border Gavaskar tournament this year due to a back injury.

Back injury likely to push Cameron Green out of the Border Gavaskar Trophy

Australia’s preparations for the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy against India have hit a setback. Ace all-rounder Cameron Green is now expected to miss the entire summer due to a back injury. It has been known that the lanky all-rounder has been suffering from a back injury for quite a while now. However, the latest reports have revealed that the issue might have aggravated more than anticipated by the Australian support staff. 

Earlier reports on Tuesday suggested that the all-rounder might still play in the Test series. However, his participation will be in the capacity of a batter solely. However, new information indicates that Green's injury is more severe than initially gauged by Australia. According to reports, the injury is significant enough for Australia to reconsider their summer plans without the pace all-rounder.

“He has no chance of being ready for the first Test against India on November 22 in Perth and it is not sounding good for any time soon after that. He may not play this summer,” the report, by renowned Australian journalist Peter Lalor, stated.

It remains unclear if Green will require surgery, but his chances of featuring in the Test series appear slim. He has already been ruled out of the first round of the Sheffield Shield, which kicks off this week. Up until late Tuesday, there was still a glimmer of hope that Green might at least join the squad as a batter. Former Australian team doctor Peter Brukner had commented that a back-stress injury wouldn’t stop Green from batting or fielding in Tests once the initial pain subsided and healing had begun.

“The load comes mainly from bowling—batting and fielding don’t put a huge load on that part of the body, so it’s feasible that once the pain settles down you can bat and field without too many problems and feel fine,” Brukner was quoted as saying earlier.

However, the hope has been quashed by the latest update on Green’s back stress injury. Cameron Green, who has played 28 Tests for Australia, boasts an impactful batting average of 36 and has taken 35 wickets during his career. Moreover, Australia skipper, Pat Cummins had earlier expressed his plans to exploit Green’s pace in order to tackle India at the home turf. However, Australia, who has not won the BGT Trophy for a decade now, will need to reshuffle the plan if Green’s absence is confirmed ahead of the Tests.