Australia’s rising cricket star, Cameron Green, is edging closer to a return after months on the sidelines due to a back injury. The Western Australian all-rounder is targeting a Sheffield Shield comeback before the domestic season wraps up and has his sights set on a County cricket stint in England. His ultimate goal? Cementing his place as a batter in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.
Green’s Recovery Progressing Faster Than Expected
The road back hasn’t been easy, but Green’s recovery is ahead of schedule. Since undergoing back surgery in October to fix a fifth stress fracture in his lower back, he has taken steady steps towards a return.
He started running in early January and has been batting in the nets for several weeks. However, bowling remains off the table for now. Medical staff have ruled out any return to the bowling crease until much later in the year—well after the WTC final and Australia’s three-Test tour of the Caribbean.
Despite the restrictions, Western Australia remains optimistic. The team hopes Green could feature purely as a batter in a Shield match by late February or early March, giving him much-needed red-ball game time before bigger challenges ahead.
Sheffield Shield & County Cricket: The Comeback Plan
The immediate focus for Green is Western Australia’s final Sheffield Shield home game against Victoria at the WACA Ground on March 15. But there’s a catch—Cricket Australia’s medical team must give him the green light to play.
Beyond domestic cricket, Green is looking towards England. He is eager to gain match fitness with a county stint before the WTC final. The English domestic season begins in April, offering eight rounds of County Championship fixtures in April and May—plenty of opportunities for Green to fine-tune his batting against quality opposition.
A short County spell could be crucial in sharpening his skills ahead of the WTC final, particularly against the moving ball in English conditions. It also gives him the best chance to prove his worth in Australia’s top order before the squad is finalized.
A Selection Headache for Australia’s Top Order?
Green’s return could create selection dilemmas for Australia, particularly in the middle order. The 24-year-old was making significant strides before his injury, scoring an unbeaten 174 while batting at No. 4 in his second-last Test against New Zealand in March 2023.
But since his absence, Steve Smith has reclaimed the No. 4 position in dominant fashion, notching three centuries in his last four Tests against India and Sri Lanka. Travis Head, who opened in the first Test against Sri Lanka, is expected to return to No. 5 for the WTC final.
This means Green, if selected, might have to slot in at No. 6—a role he has played before. While his all-rounder status would usually be a significant asset, his inability to bowl might be a drawback. Australia’s selectors will have to decide whether they value his batting skills alone enough to include him in the XI.
Green’s Test Record: A Strong Case for Inclusion
Despite his injury struggles, Green’s Test numbers are impressive for a young batter.
Here’s a look at his overall Test record:
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 43 | 1,377 | 36.23 | 2 | 6 | 174* (vs NZ) |
His performances in 2024 were particularly encouraging:
- Runs: 302
- Matches: 4
- Average: 50.33
- Highest Score: 174*
With those numbers, Green remains a strong candidate for Australia’s middle order, especially if he can get match time before the WTC final.
What Lies Ahead for Green?
- Clearance from Cricket Australia’s medical team to play in the Sheffield Shield.
- Potential County cricket stint in England to regain form.
- A battle to secure a spot in Australia’s XI for the WTC final.
For now, Green is staying patient, focusing on his recovery, and hoping his return aligns perfectly with Australia’s plans. His bat might have to do all the talking—at least for now.
