Green set for comeback as World Test Championship final selection battle heats up

Green Eyes WTC Final Return After Successful Back Surgery

Cameron Green is gearing up for his return to competitive cricket after undergoing major back surgery last October, expressing hope that it will be the last of his career. The 25-year-old allrounder will make his comeback with Gloucestershire in county cricket, targeting a spot in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final — even if it means being selected purely as a batter.

Speaking at a press conference in Perth, Green said the surgery had been a success and his recovery smooth.

“It’s been incredible,” Green said. “I was off my feet for about two weeks, then into gym work for four to five months, running for two months, and batting for the last month. It’s been seamless — I’m really happy I got it done.”

Rather than take the conservative route of resting a stress fracture, Green opted for surgery to secure his long-term future in the game. “It was for the long-term goal — to bowl for as long as I can,” he said. “Hopefully that’s the end of it.”

Although fit to bat, Green hasn’t resumed bowling and won’t do so in match conditions until the start of the 2025-26 domestic season in October. He acknowledged this limits his role for now, but he remains flexible about his batting position.

“I’ll bat wherever I’m needed,” Green said. “We’ve got an ultra-successful top five, six, and seven. It’s not easy to break into, but that’s what you want — competition for spots.”

Green last played a Test in March 2024, scoring an unbeaten 174 as Australia’s No. 4. But with Steve Smith reclaiming that position and Travis Head set to return at No. 5, Green may need to slot into the top three or wait for an opportunity.

Lyon, Boland Battle Injuries Ahead of WTC Final

Meanwhile, veteran spinner Nathan Lyon has revealed he played through a painful hip injury throughout the summer, initially sustained during the first Test against India. The issue required fluid to be drained twice but has now improved after regular rehab.

“I’ve been doing rehab five days a week,” Lyon said. “It was pretty painful, especially while landing or running, but it’s all good now — touch wood.”

Fast bowler Scott Boland is also managing a knee problem that flared up late in the domestic season. After an intense workload in the final rounds of the Sheffield Shield, he was rested as a precaution but remains hopeful of being fit for the WTC final.

“It got progressively sorer, but I think I would’ve played the Shield final if we’d made it,” Boland said. “Now I’ve got a month to rebuild strength and prepare properly.”

Boland will follow a similar preparation plan to 2023, when he was Australia’s standout bowler in the WTC final against India at The Oval. With Josh Hazlewood also in contention, Boland faces a tight race for a spot in the pace attack.

“If all goes well, I’ll be ready for the WTC final and the Tests in the Caribbean,” he said. “Then I’ll take another break before building up again for a big home summer.”

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