In a massive blow for Australia in terms of the upcoming home series against India, the hosts will have tp do without the services of allrounder Cameron Green who will undergo a back surgery.
“Australia allrounder Cameron Green has opted to go under the knife for surgery on his back after scans found a “unique” issue that was exacerbating his back injury,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Green who was diagnosed with a lower back injury during the ODI series in England, is expected to miss around 6 months of action which will rule him out of February’s Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. It has also cast doubt on his availability for the next Indian Premier League season.
JUST IN: Massive news on the eve of the men’s international summer #AUSvIND https://t.co/UPzbf3gL0W
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 14, 2024
Cricket Australia confirmed last week that Green was considering surgery to be performed by New Zealand specialists who have previously helped fast bowlers including Shane Bond and James Pattinson overcome back stress fractures. The alternative to surgery would have been to undergo rehabilitation and limit his bowling in the India series.
Green’s condition was complex, though, and the decision to undergo surgery was aimed at ensuring he could bowl long term, a team spokesperson said on Monday.
“Whilst spine stress fractures are not unusual in pace bowlers, Cam has a unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture that is believed to be contributing to the injury,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
“Recovery time is anticipated to be around six months. The decision to proceed to surgery is with Cameron’s long-term future as an all-rounder in mind.”
(With agency inputs)
