Cameron Green to bowl with reworked action ahead of Ashes
What's the story
Australian cricketer Cameron Green is all set to put his reworked bowling action to the test in an upcoming Sheffield Shield match against Queensland. The 26-year-old will play his first competitive game in six weeks, after suffering from minor side soreness. He is expected to bowl around 15-20 overs for Western Australia during this crucial week leading up to the Ashes series, which starts on November 21 in Perth.
Bowling history
Green's last competitive game was in September
Green has only bowled four overs this season, during a Shield clash with New South Wales on October 5. His last bowling stint before that was in an ODI series in England back in September 2024. He last bowled in a Test match in New Zealand in March 2024. The all-rounder has played his recent games as a pure batter.
Recovery journey
Green underwent surgery for a 5th stress fracture
In October 2024, Green underwent surgery for a fifth stress fracture in his lower back. He made a cautious return to the Test side as a batter during winter. His recovery has been gradual, including playing the last Shield game as a batter only while still bowling in nets. "There have been minor changes with the bowling angle of my run-up," Green told AAP about his reworked action ahead of Perth Test.
Strategy
A slow and methodical return
Green emphasized that his return has been slow and methodical. "It is not like there has been a complete reinvention of my action," he said. He also added, "We have had an awesome 11 months being really diligent getting my back in a really good spot. I didn't cut any corners." This careful approach is aimed at ensuring long-term success rather than rushing back into action too soon.
Selection implications
Green's return could affect Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald's chances
Green's ability to bowl without any issues this week could affect Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald's chances for the Test. Neither were able to score big for Tasmania against South Australia on Monday, as selectors consider playing an extra all-rounder in Webster or a specialist opener in Weatherald. Despite this, chief selector George Bailey isn't worried about Green's limited bowling this summer.