Cameron Green is unlikely to feature in the Sheffield Shield before his County Championship stint with Gloucestershire as he continues recovering from back surgery.
Last month, Green had expressed hope of playing for Western Australia against Victoria on March 15 as a specialist batter. However, despite returning to the nets, ESPNcricinfo reports that he is unlikely to receive clearance before the Australian domestic season ends. Western Australia is not expecting him for their final Shield match or the final, should they qualify. Regular scans are monitoring his progress after his spine surgery in October.
Green is now expected to make his return in Gloucestershire’s County Championship match against Kent on April 18. He has signed a five-game deal, covering fixtures against Kent (twice), Leicestershire, Lancashire, and Northamptonshire before the WTC final at Lord’s. However, Cricket Australia’s medical staff may limit his participation in all five matches, considering he hasn’t played since September and has been out of first-class cricket for 13 months.
Green is in contention for the WTC final in June as a specialist batter, having played all 28 of his Tests as an allrounder. Australia also has a three-Test tour of the Caribbean in late June, but he is unlikely to resume bowling until later in the year ahead of the home Ashes series in November.
His return as a batter-only creates selection challenges. With Steven Smith securing the No. 4 spot and Travis Head returning to No. 5, Green might have to slot in at No. 3 or No. 6. This could push out Marnus Labuschagne or Beau Webster, potentially leaving Australia without a fourth seam option. Australia has until May to finalize their 15-man squad.
