IND vs AUS: Australia all-rounder Cameron Green ruled out from Border-Gavaskar Trophy, likely to miss IPL 2025

Australia's all-rounder Cameron Green has been sidelined from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test series against India. This decision follows a stress fracture in his spine, requiring surgery and a six-month recovery period.

The injury was identified after Green experienced discomfort during last month's UK tour. This setback marks his fifth stress fracture since 2019, though he had been free of such for several years.

Green's absence necessitates adjustments in Australia's batting lineup. He had rejoined the Test team after David Warner's retirement, with Steve Smith opening the innings. However, Smith struggled in this role and will now return to his preferred number four position, which Green previously occupied. Consequently, selectors are considering options like Cameron Bancroft and Sam Konstas for the vacant opening spot.

Cameron Green out for Six Months

The six-month recovery timeline means Green will miss not only the Border-Gavaskar Trophy but also February's Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy. His participation in the IPL is uncertain as well. Cricket Australia (CA) stated that opting for surgery aims to stabilise the defect and minimise future recurrence risks.

Green has chosen a surgical procedure similar to those undergone by pacers like Jasprit Bumrah and James Pattinson. The operation will be conducted by New Zealand surgeons Grahame Inglis and Rowan Schouten, involving screws and titanium wire to bind vertebrae together. CA emphasised that this decision considers Green's long-term prospects as an all-rounder.

The alternative to surgery would have involved rehabilitation and limiting Green's bowling during the five-match series against India starting November 22 in Perth. However, CA determined that surgery was more beneficial for his long-term career.

"Whilst spine stress fractures are not unusual in pace bowlers, Cam has a unique defect in an adjacent area to the fracture that is believed to be contributing to the injury," stated CA on Monday.

Cameron Green likely out of IPL 2025

Green's injury layoff means the all-rounder may not be part of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's plans in the retention list. The Australian was expected to be one of the retained players for RCB but now the franchise will be inclined to release him. Even if he gets fit in six months, it will mean the player can only be ready for action midway through IPL 2025, which may not warrant any takers for him in the auction.