Cameron Green is set to make his long-awaited return to bowling this weekend, marking a significant step in his recovery from major back surgery. The Australian all-rounder will deliver eight overs for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield opener, his first bowling in a game since the procedure in 2024.
Green, who missed last summer's Test series against India due to the surgery, returned to Test cricket as a batter only in the World Test Championship final loss to South Africa in July. With the first Ashes Test less than 50 days away, Green is building up his bowling load with the goal of having no restrictions by the time the series begins in Perth on November 21.
“It’s been a long 12 months, but feeling really good,” Green said. “The body’s in a good place. It’s been a really good rehab journey. I feel stronger, fitter, my action feels good. The first Test should be no restrictions, that’s kind of the whole plan of the last year.”
Green’s return to bowling adds selection complexity for Australia, as his compatibility with Beau Webster is under consideration. Webster has provided an extra bowling option and made an impact batting at number six. Coach Andrew McDonald has hinted at front-loading overs to accommodate both players, and Green expressed comfort with batting in the top order and sharing the bowling load with Webster.
“Shane Watson used to open the batting and bowl, people probably don’t realise how tough that was,” Green said. “But I think I’m in a bit of a different place; let’s say I’m batting up the top, and Beau’s batting six, for example – he might take more of the (bowling) load.”
