Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is set to undergo surgery this week to treat a stress fracture in his lumbar spine, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday, October 14. The injury was discovered during follow-up scans after Green complained of persistent lower back pain following Australia’s recent tour of the UK.
While stress fractures in the spine are relatively common among pace bowlers due to the physical demands of their bowling action, Green’s case is slightly more complex. He has a unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture, which medical experts believe has contributed to his injury.
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After extensive assessments and consultations with specialists, it was decided that surgery was the best course of action for Green. The procedure aims to stabilize the defect and minimize the chances of the injury recurring in the future. Cricket Australia emphasized that the decision to proceed with surgery was made with Green’s long-term career as a vital all-rounder in mind.
Cameron Green will have spine surgery and miss at least six months of cricket. He consulted WA and club teammate Jason Behrendorff about the procedure after the left-armer went through it in 2019. https://t.co/OFdGFNlV1R
— Alex Malcolm (@Alex_Malcolm) October 14, 2024
Similar surgeries have been successful for elite pace bowlers in the past, and while the recovery period is expected to be around six months, it offers the best chance for Green to return stronger and more resilient. In other news, Cricket Australia also announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, scheduled for November.
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Pat Cummins will captain the side, with Josh Inglis set to take on wicketkeeping duties. The squad features seasoned campaigners like Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Glenn Maxwell. However, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, two key players, are currently on paternity leave and have not been included.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey emphasized that the ODI series is critical in preparation for next year’s Champions Trophy and the upcoming Test summer. He also highlighted the importance of expanding on the recent success in the UK despite challenges with injuries and illness.
