Green aims ‘comeback’ for India Tests after fracture setback

Ever since making his debut, Cameron Green has been one of the first names on Australia’s playing XI in the longest format. Every Test, the lanky all-rounder has proven his worth as a modern classic Test all-rounder in the Baggy Green. However, during the second day of the second Test against South Africa, Green was struck firmly on his finger, leading to a fracture that has seen him being ruled out of the Australian summer. 

Green, who was supposed to represent Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League (BBL) will continue to recover, in an attempt to keep himself fully fit for the four-match away Test series against India. While no one expected him to return to bat on day three, the all-rounder returned to become the first Australian in the last four years, to register a five-for and a 50, strengthening his position in this Australian setup amidst his recent dip in form.  

"It obviously hurts not playing for Australia. I've played every game since I debuted so it's going to feel a bit weird watching Test cricket from home," said Green at the end of day’s play. 

"But I'll be absolutely rapt for whoever comes in and hopefully takes their opportunity. It's a great environment to be a part of so I'm definitely going to miss it. I'm going to do as much as I can to get it right and try to go to India,” he added. 

"A lot of people talk about the tour to India, how tough it is mentally and physically. It's going to be a massive tour for us. We're as best prepared as we're ever going to be, so (I’m) looking forward to it."

Green played a massive role on day three, stitching a partnership that also saw Alex Carey create a record, becoming the second wicket-keeper in Australian history to score a Test century in Melbourne after Rodney Marsh. 

"It was really special and probably the guy I wanted out there at that stage. To see him throw his arms up meant a lot to me,” Carey said. 

"We've formed a really good relationship on the field but also off the field. To have him out there was a really special moment. We love batting together so hopefully we have a few more partnerships like that. It was huge courage from him and he was the guy I would have liked out there,” he added.

Green also looked back on his innings, joking that his game got simplified, after his injury. But the all-rounder won't play any role with the ball further in the Boxing Day Test. 

"I think that's what happens when you get injured – your game simplifies in a way. There's only a few shots you can play and everything apart from that you have to defend,” Green said. 

"It's a funny thing when you're in that mindset, you're actually really clear on what you have to do,” he added.

It was the ebb and flow of this partnership that propelled Australia to a monumental first-innings lead, as they continue to make huge stride in sealing the three-match Test series here in Melbourne.