Cameron Green Contemplates Back Surgery Amid Injury Concerns

Cameron Green, a prominent allrounder for the Australian cricket team, is facing uncertainties regarding his participation in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India due to ongoing back issues. Green is currently contemplating whether to undergo radical back surgery, a procedure that has previously aided the careers of several Australian fast bowlers, or pursue a non-surgical rehabilitation plan.

The surgery, which involves a pioneering technique utilizing screws and titanium wire to stabilize vertebrae, has been successfully performed by Christchurch-based surgeons Grahame Inglis and Rowan Schouten. However, opting for this procedure would sideline Green for several months, making him unavailable for not only the series against India but also possibly the subsequent tour of Sri Lanka.

Green’s back issues, identified as stress fractures in the lower back, surfaced during Australia’s recent limited-overs tour in the United Kingdom. This diagnosis came as a surprise, given that earlier scans, taken several months before the tour, had shown no signs of such problems.

In light of these developments, Green met with Australian team officials to weigh his options. If surgery is avoided, there remains a possibility for him to return to the field as a batsman during the five-Test series against India, albeit without contributing with the ball.

Steve Smith may potentially shift back to the No.4 batting position in the absence of Green. This possible lineup change could open a spot for a new opener, with candidates like Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matthew Renshaw, Nic Maddinson, and Sam Konstas being considered. Harris stands out following a strong performance in the Sheffield Shield, scoring 143 for Victoria against Tasmania.

Mitch Marsh, currently at No.6, could also be looked upon to take on additional bowling responsibilities, though his recent participation in matches has seen limited bowling action.

Green, who has enjoyed a relatively injury-free phase since debuting internationally in 2020, faces a challenging decision that could influence his long-term career trajectory. Apart from his back issues, Green contends with a chronic kidney condition that requires careful dietary management.

Recently, Green had hinted that transitioning to a specialist batter role was something he envisioned only in the distant future. “I’ve thought about it as an ‘in 10 years’ time’ sort of thing,” Green commented on possibly shifting focus away from bowling.