Cameron Green says he is ready to return to action after making a surprisingly swift recovery from an abdominal muscle tear ahead of Australia’s final Test against South Africa.
Green suffered the injury during the one-day international series between the teams but has made encouraging progress in the weeks since, raising hopes of featuring in the series decider.
“Pretty surprised with how quickly it’s actually healed, or how functional I feel only a few weeks after,” Green said of the injury.
“It was really bizarre. I think there’s definitely a pretty clear link between getting hit and then doing the injury. I think it’s too much of a coincidence for them not to be related.
“Basically I got hit where you don’t want to get hit and then two balls later, I went to play a shot just behind the wicket – obviously had to lengthen my muscle, and I think my muscle was pretty keen to not move at that stage after I got hit.
“It’s quite a unique injury. There are not many people that have done the injury and then tried to play a few weeks later. The (medical staff) didn’t have much to go off … (but) it’s all good to go for the last game.”
Green participated in a net session ahead of the third Test in Cape Town as Australia and South Africa prepared for the series decider.
Australia claimed victory in the opening match before the hosts responded in the second Test to level the contest.
Green, who played in last year’s World Test Championship final against South Africa, said the encounter had offered important lessons about the demands of facing the Proteas’ formidable bowling attack.
“(Batting at three in the WTC final) was a tough experience for sure. Pretty unique that you’re playing South Africa with the Dukes ball in England. I think there’s a lot of good learnings, a lot of tough learnings,” Green said.
“Obviously they’re such a quality bowling line-up that you’ve got to be on your game at all times to succeed against them, regardless of where you bat.
“But certainly up the top of the order is incredibly difficult – their opening bowlers are so great with the new ball, you’ve got to work really hard, especially at the start.”
The all-rounder, who made his Test debut in 2020, has batted at positions ranging from number three to eight but believes the middle order best suits his game.
“I’ve had a lot of experience up and down the order. I think I’m well suited at four and five,” he said.
Green demonstrated his ability at number five in Australia’s home series against Bangladesh, finishing as the leading run-scorer across the two matches with a century and a half-century.
Despite his preference, he said he was prepared to adjust his role according to the team’s needs.
“Obviously we’ve had some pretty incredible cricketers in those positions. So I’m very happy to move up and down the order depending on what the team wants.”
The third and final Test between South Africa and Australia begins on Tuesday, October 27.
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