Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is set to face his most demanding on-field examination yet, with his reworked bowling action to be put to the test at the WACA Ground in a crucial week for national selectors.
The Comeback Trail
Green will play his first competitive match in six weeks on Tuesday, returning from minor side soreness for Western Australia against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. Cricket officials anticipate the 26-year-old will deliver between 15 and 20 overs during the match, representing his final full week of preparation before the first Test in Perth begins next Friday.
The towering all-rounder has managed just four overs this entire season, dating back to October 5 in a Shield clash with NSW at the same venue. His bowling appearances have been scarce, with his last match stint occurring during an ODI series in England back in September last year. His most recent Test bowling was in New Zealand during March 2024.
Road to Recovery
Green's limited bowling comes after significant rehabilitation from his fifth stress fracture in the lower back, which required surgery in October 2024. He made his return to the Test side as a specialist batsman during the winter months, with selectors taking an extremely cautious approach to his recovery.
"There have been minor changes with the bowling angle of my run-up and trying to get my front foot slightly more out of the way and to the left, so I don't have to fall over too much to get through the crease and trying to stand a bit taller," Green explained to AAP.
The changes represent refinement rather than revolution. "It is not like there has been a complete reinvention of my action," he confirmed. "We have had an awesome 11 months being really diligent getting my back in a really good spot. I didn't cut any corners."
Selection Implications
Green's performance this week could significantly impact Test selection decisions, particularly for contenders Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald. Neither player managed substantial scores for Tasmania against South Australia on Monday, leaving selectors to weigh the option of including an extra all-rounder in Webster or specialist opener Weatherald.
Chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence in Green's preparation despite his limited match bowling. "It is a 12-month build so to rush a step at the last moment doesn't make much sense," Bailey stated. "Your all-rounder doesn't need to be in a position to bowl 30 to 40 overs hopefully. I think he will be really well placed."
Bailey added that selectors expect to receive clear information from this Shield round and remain confident Green will be bowling for Australia in the opening Test. The careful management of Green's return reflects the long-term planning by Cricket Australia, who prioritized his recovery with the upcoming Ashes series firmly in mind.
