Cameron Green eyes Shield overs before Ashes return

Cameron Green plans to pick up the ball again in Sheffield Shield cricket, not in the one-day and T20 series against India, as he works back from last year’s back surgery. The 26-year-old all-rounder is also unsure whether he will keep batting at No. 3 when the Ashes start in Perth on 21 November.

Bowling comes first

Green has been limited to batting since his October operation. He says the longer spells available in four-day Shield games will help rebuild his bowling fitness better than the short bursts of limited-overs cricket. Western Australia’s first three Shield matches — 4 Oct (New South Wales), 15 Oct (Tasmania) and 28 Oct (South Australia) — are now pencilled in as his return dates.

Batting spot still open

Green filled the No. 3 role in Australia’s last four Tests, posting useful scores of 52, 46 and 42 after a slow start. Even so, he admits others could move into that position if selectors prefer. A reshuffle would have a knock-on effect: Marnus Labuschagne, Sam Konstas and possible Ashes bolter Jake Weatherald are all jostling for top-order spots, while Beau Webster’s place at No. 6 depends on Green’s workload.

Lessons from 2024

Green followed a similar path last summer, skipping T20s in New Zealand to play Shield cricket at home. He struck a century for WA and then a Test-best 174* in Wellington. The success of that plan is guiding his current build-up.

Next steps

Australia’s packed white-ball block — three T20Is in New Zealand (1-4 Oct) and eight home games against India (19 Oct-8 Nov) — now looks likely to proceed without Green’s bowling. If his recovery stays on track, he will arrive at the Ashes with match practice, overs in the legs and a clear idea of his place in the order.