IND vs AUS: Cameron Green's fate sealed for Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25

Australia allrounder Cameron Green has been ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 to recover from his recurring back problems. Green will undergo surgery and is likely to be out for at least six months of any cricket.

Not only the Test series against India, the surgery is likely to keep him out of important ICC tournaments like the Champions Trophy and World Test Championship (WTC) final (if Australia qualifies) in the upcoming months. He will also miss the Indian Premier League (IPL) next season.

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Cameron Green ruled out of the entire home season

Cameron Green has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his lower back. This is the fifth stress fracture for the young allrounder. The 25-year-old has had four stress injuries so far. Earlier, he wasn't sure of surgery ahead of a big home summer but it is believed that he has opted for it for long-term gains.

Green had some deep discussions with Cricket Australia's medical staff in the last few days after he suffered an injury during the white-ball tour of the UK last month. He will have screws and a titanium cable fused into his lower back to stabilize the stress fracture and prevent such injuries in the future.

Players like Jason Behrendorff, James Pattinson, Ben Dwarshuis, Shane Bond, and Matt Henry have also followed the same method before. Green has asked for suggestions and the experience after the surgery of Western Australia teammate Jason Behrendorff.

The scans had revealed a fracture on the UK tour but assessments were done in Australia and it turned out to be a different fracture as compared to his earlier stress injuries.

Cricket Australia's statement on Cameron Green's injury

Cricket Australia are confused about this fracture as they have carefully managed Cameron Green ever since his international debut. But the youngster has always been vulnerable to such fractures.

In a statement, CA clearly stated the nature of the injury and revealed that it was his choice to go under the knife.

"Cam has a unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture that is believed to be contributing to the injury. After thorough consultation it was determined Cameron would benefit from the surgery to stabilize the defect and reduce the risk of future recurrence," CA stated.

Will Steve Smith move back to No. 4?

Green's injury will affect Australia's combination in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was Australia's designated No. 4 after David Warner's retirement as Steve Smith decided to play as an opener.

He was the highest run-getter in Australia's previous Test series against New Zealand which was played away from home. Green scored 238 runs in 2 Tests at an average of 79.33 with 1 hundred. He scored a magnificent 174* while batting at No. 4 and was also adjudged Player of the Match.

Cameron Green is also a capable fast bowler and plays the role of a batting allrounder in this Australian team. As a result, Australia has lost a precious player ahead of a big series.

In his absence, Steve Smith might move back to his preferred No. 4 slot, where he has batted for the most of his Test career with tremendous success. With Green absent, Mitchell Marsh is the only genuine all-rounder in the side now.