Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is preparing for a return to international cricket, with an eye on regaining his spot in the team for the ICC World Test Championship Final against South Africa in June.
Green, 25, has not played competitive cricket since September of last year due to a back injury that required surgery. However, the talented all-rounder has recently regained full fitness and is hoping to use an upcoming County stint in England to prove his readiness for Australia’s pivotal clash with South Africa at Lord’s.
County Stint Key to Return
In an update provided to reporters in Perth on Monday, Green confirmed that he would feature as a batter during his five-match stint with Gloucestershire in England. While his involvement in the upcoming series against Kent from April 18 is a significant step in his recovery, Green also revealed that he would have been ready to play for his state team, Western Australia, had they reached the Sheffield Shield final.
“I’m going really well. I would have been ready for a Shield final if that happened… I was raring to go for that, but it wasn’t meant to be,” Green said. “I’m going pretty well and I’m all fit and healthy.”
The County matches are crucial for Green as he aims to work his way back into Australia’s XI for the World Test Championship Final. The right-hander, who is flexible in terms of his batting position, said he would be willing to bat anywhere in the top six for the showdown against South Africa.
Competition for a Spot
Despite Australia’s strong top six, Green emphasized that the challenge for a place in the team is something he welcomes. “We’ve obviously got an ultra-successful top five, six, seven, so it’s never easy, but that’s what you want it to be in a Test team,” he explained. “You want guys to challenge, take that position for themselves and that’s what’s been done.”
Having watched his teammates enjoy a successful summer, Green expressed his eagerness to return to the fold. “I think they’ve had another ultra-successful summer and I was so happy watching, but at the same time you want to get back in the team, so we will just wait to see what happens.”
Nathan Lyon Also Ready for World Test Championship Final
Meanwhile, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon has declared himself fit ahead of the World Test Championship Final. The veteran bowler, who has recovered from a recent hip issue, is ready to take on South Africa’s formidable batting line-up in June.
Lyon is particularly wary of the challenge posed by South Africa’s potent pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. “South Africa are going to be a big challenge,” Lyon said in Sydney. “It’s two of the best bowling attacks in the world going against each other, and it’s going to be a big challenge for the batters in both teams.”
World Test Championship Final Set for June 11
The World Test Championship Final will take place at Lord’s in London from June 11, and Lyon is eager to defend Australia’s title. “It’s another final and that is what you want to play cricket for. You want to be in a final and want to win trophies,” Lyon said. “We get the chance to defend the mace, so that is pretty exciting.”
Related Topics
