Cameron Green’s season-ending back surgery has thrown a spanner in Australia’s plans for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India. The all-rounder’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the team’s lineup, particularly in the bowling department, forcing the Aussies to rethink their strategy for the five-match Test series.
Starc Sounds the Alarm
Mitchell Starc, a key member of Australia’s pace attack, didn’t mince words about Green’s absence. “Losing a genuine all-rounder like Cameron Green changes everything,” he said, drawing parallels to England’s struggles without Ben Stokes. The veteran fast bowler’s comments highlight the team’s need to adapt quickly.
Also Read: Cameron Green to miss Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to back surgery
With Green sidelined, Australia’s experienced pace trio of Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood will shoulder a heavier burden. Starc pointed out the need for careful workload management, especially against India’s notoriously long batting sessions. “We’ve had to take on more workload, and Nathan Lyon has had to bowl extra overs as well,” he explained, recalling past series without an all-rounder.
Exploring Alternatives and Preparation in Full Swing
To address this challenge, Australian selectors are eyeing Scott Boland, Michael Neser, and Sean Abbott as potential support for the main pace attack. There’s also buzz around Mitchell Marsh, the T20I captain and pace-bowling all-rounder, possibly stepping up to fill Green’s shoes.
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Starc is set to kick off his red-ball preparations in the Sheffield Shield, playing for New South Wales against Victoria on 20 October, alongside Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon. Josh Hazlewood will join the fray in the next game against Queensland, while Starc takes a breather after the Victoria match.
