Last Updated on 1 month by Charbel Coorey
Australia all-rounder Cameron Green is poised to make a return to bowling ahead of the upcoming Ashes, with preparations set to begin in the Sheffield Shield. Green, who has concentrated purely on batting since undergoing back surgery in 2024, confirmed that the domestic red-ball competition will be his launchpad back into a full-fledged all-round role.
“In the past, it’s worked really well when I’ve focused on Shield cricket,” Green said, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
“That potentially might be the way to go, especially with (me) working my way back to bowling, to potentially get a few more overs over a few more days.
“I think that might be the way we go.”
Cameron Green a chance to bowl in the huge 2025/26 season
Green’s cautious optimism comes after a decent-yet-unspectacular batting comeback in the World Test Championship final and West Indies tour. After a tough start, Green finished with scores of 52, 46, and 42 on very difficult surfaces in Grenada and Jamaica. Still, he remains uncertain about his batting position against England, saying that while he’s proud of his stint at number three, the top-order configuration is “wait and see.”
Key to managing his return will be a run of Shield matches for Western Australia scheduled for October 4, October 15, and October 28, designed to build his bowling load with gradual consistency ahead of the Ashes opener in Perth on November 21. The focus will be on ensuring Green has the right balance of bowling practice without overexertion, given his past back issues.
Green’s return with both bat and ball would be a huge boost for Australia’s Ashes defense. Historically, he has fared well against England, claiming 18 wickets in eight Tests at an average significantly better than his career mark, highlighting the game-changing potential he brings. His tall frame, seam movement, and ability to extract bounce make him a unique weapon in Australian conditions, especially against an England side that thrives on attacking fast bowlers.
Selectors are expected to monitor his progress closely, assessing how much bowling he can take on before the Ashes begin. For now, Green’s dual-threat ability, if fully restored, could provide the edge Australia needs to retain the urn on home soil. His performances in the Sheffield Shield will not only answer questions about his fitness but also determine how Australia shapes its batting order for one of cricket’s most fiercely contested rivalries.
