Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has been ruled out for the entire summer, opting for surgery on a stress fracture in his back.
Green was weighing up the option to rehab the injury, which would have allowed him to feature as a batter only in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, but, after consulting with specialists, the West Australian will head to New Zealand for pioneering surgery.
The hope is that, following around six months of recovery, Green will return to full fitness, with the risk of recurrence significantly reduced.
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The question now turns to how his absence will impact Australia's lineup in the blockbuster home series.
Who will replace Cam Green for Australia?
Since the start of this year, the 25-year-old has been a mainstay in Australia's Test middle order, batting at No. 4 in matches against West Indies and New Zealand, averaging 53.6 across six innings.
His absence could potentially see Steve Smith return to what many consider his best position, ending the experiment which saw the captain replace David Warner and open the batting.
Smith averages 28.5 over eight innings at the top of the order, while compiled most of his 9685 Test runs batting at four, where he averages 61.5.
That then would leave an opening spot alongside Usman Khawaja up for grabs, with Marcus Harris, Cameron Bancroft and new kid on the block, Sam Konstas the likely names in the mix there.
With the ball, Green is capable of pitching in with some more than handy overs, giving skipper Pat Cummins another pace option.
Green's 35 Test wickets at 35.31 will be missed, with Mitchell Marsh perhaps the man in line for an increased bowling load.
The 32-year-old has 48 Test wickets at 40.04.
Queensland bowling all-rounder Michael Neser ensured his name will remain in the mix with a five-for in the first innings of their Sheffield Shield opener against WA.
Green's catching, either in the slips or at gully, has been a feature over his first 28 Tests, with his significant wingspan also sure to be missed.
Predicted Australian XI for First Test against India
- Usman Khawaja
- Marcus Harris
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steve Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
