Green had hoped to play for WA in the final Shield round but is unlikely to be ready in time.
Cameron Green is expected to miss Sheffield Shield matches for Western Australia as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
Despite initial hopes of playing in the final Shield game, it is now unlikely that he will be fit enough before joining Gloucestershire for the County Championship in April. His first competitive cricket is anticipated to be in England. WA are not expecting him to be available for the contest with Victoria or the Shield final if they qualify.
Green has to get regular scans on his back to check on his progress before returning to play, having undergone spine surgery in October. Green’s first match back is likely to be in division two of the County Championship for Gloucestershire against Kent in Canterbury on April 18.
Green has signed a five-game deal with Gloucestershire thanks to the help of a ‘significant donation’ from one of the club’s members. Those five matches are prior to the WTC final at Lord’s. However, it remains to be seen whether Cricket Australia’s medical staff allow him to play five straight first-class matches leading into the WTC final.
Green is in consideration to play in the WTC final in June as a batter only. Australia also have a three-Test tour of the Caribbean starting late June, but he will not be available to bowl until later in the year.
His availability as a batter only will create a selection issue in Australia’s line-up. Green made 174 not out in his second last Test match batting at No. 4, but Steven Smith’s return to that spot means Green will have to bat somewhere else if he plays in the WTC final.
Travis Head will also return to No. 5, meaning Australia will need another opener. Green could possibly bat at No. 3 or No. 6. Josh Inglis’ recent form makes him an enticing selection prospect for the final as well. Australia do not need to name a 15-man squad until May.
