In the latest development in the build-up to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia will be without star all-rounder Cameron Green after his injury during the England summer turned out to be worse than expected.
ALSO READ: Shane Watson predicts big series for India star
According to the latest report on Cricket Et Al by popular journalist Peter Lalor, Green has no chance of being fit for the first Test against India in Perth on November 22.
It’s not just that, Green could miss the entire summer due to the back pain he complained about during the England tour. The 25-year-old was expected to be available to play as a solo batsman at the very least, but the latest development is a blow to Australia’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy plans which they hope to regain.
Green is a total cog in the Australian line-up and is seen as the future of their Test middle order, so much so that Steve Smith was promoted to open the batting to accommodate Green in the middle order. He has played 28 Tests for Australia with a batting average of 36 and has taken 35 wickets at 35.
If Green misses out, Australia could be forced to find an alternative all-rounder, with Pat Cummins previously stating to expect heavier bowling workloads for all-rounders Green and Mitch Marsh. Aaron Hardie is a promising prospect, who excelled in limited overs cricket in England and could be in line for a Test call-up.
IPL consequences for Cameron Green and RCB’s dilemma
Another personal concern for Green would be his IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Traded by Mumbai Indians for a whopping INR 17.5 crore, Green was expected to be one of the franchise’s retentions ahead of the IPL 2025 auction.
But with the timeline of his injury uncertain, RCB might have to change their retention plans, and that could significantly affect the dynamics of the franchise auction. Apart from Green, RCB also has Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell in their ranks, although his performances in the last season did not inspire much confidence. A more compelling option is rising star and England all-rounder Will Jacks, who made a century for the franchise in 2024.
ALSO READ: RCB’s retention strategy for IPL 2025
While Green’s retention was doubtful given his inflated value in the mini-auction, RCB would have expected to RTM the Australian at a lower price in the auction. But with the latest injury concern, Green may not generate as much interest from franchises in the IPL 2025 auction.