Australian cricket fans can breathe a cautious sigh of relief as skipper Pat Cummins delivered promising news about all-rounder Cameron Green's bowling capabilities ahead of the highly anticipated first Ashes Test.
The towering West Australian is expected to be fit to bowl when Australia begins their Ashes campaign against England at Edgbaston on Friday, providing a significant boost to the visiting side's balance and firepower.
Bowling Workload Carefully Managed
Cummins revealed that Green has been gradually building his bowling workload after experiencing some minor soreness during the World Test Championship final against India. The careful management appears to be paying dividends.
"He'll build up over the next few days, but we're hoping he'll be available to bowl," Cummins told reporters in Birmingham. "He had a bowl yesterday, everything's going well, so no doubt he'll be available."
Team Balance Hangs in the Balance
Green's availability as a bowler is crucial for Australia's team structure. His ability to contribute genuine pace bowling alongside his batting prowess gives the selectors valuable flexibility.
Without Green's bowling capabilities, Australia would face a difficult selection dilemma, potentially forcing them to choose between playing an extra batter or an additional bowler, neither option ideal for the first Test of such an important series.
Batting Form Provides Additional Confidence
The news comes as Green also finds form with the bat, having scored an unbeaten 25 in the second innings against India and looking comfortable at the crease. His dual-threat capability makes him one of Australia's most valuable assets in the quest to retain the Ashes urn.
Australian supporters will be watching closely as Green completes his final bowling sessions in the lead-up to Friday's first ball, hoping the young star can play his full role in what promises to be an electrifying start to cricket's greatest rivalry.
