Australian all-rounder Cam Green suffers another injury set back ahead of ODI series with India

Cam Green’s start to the Australian summer has been delayed with the star all-rounder ruled out of the three-match one-day series against India with a side strain.

Green was set to play a part as a batter only in the first match at Optus Stadium on Sunday, but a low-grade side strain will sideline the West Australian.

It comes as the 26-year-old was beginning to build his bowling loads back up after he had undergone spinal surgery, where doctors fused his L4 vertebrae, last summer.

Green’s latest setback is reportedly not related to the operation he underwent last October and he is set to be available for Western Australia’s next Sheffield Shield match on October 28 as previously planned.

It is understood Green reported pain while training in the lead-up to the first match this week.

“Green will complete a short period of rehabilitation and is tracking to return to play in round three of the Sheffield Shield to continue his preparation for the Ashes,” CA said in a statement this morning.

It is reported that Cricket Australia is taking a cautious approach around Green who is set to play a vital part as an all-rounder against England in the upcoming Ashes series which begins in Perth on November 21.

Marnus Labuschagne will replace Green in the squad for the ODI series and will fly to Perth once Queensland’s Sheffield Shield match against South Australia is completed.

Green’s injury comes only five weeks out from the Ashes and adds to the injury concerns of the host nation, with captain and star bowler Pat Cummins in doubt for the start of the series because of a back injury.

He bowled his first overs in a competitive match since his back operation in WA’s round one shield defeat to New South Wales last week, bowling four overs and finishing with figures of 1-13.

Green is the third change to the squad for the Australians already this series, with fellow West Australian Josh Inglis to miss the first game because of a calf strain, while spinner Adam Zampa is not playing in Perth as he remains at home ahead of the birth of his second child.

WA-raised wicket-keeper Josh Philippe will take the gloves for the first time in an ODI and returns to the team after a more than four-year absence, while Queenslander Matt Kuhnemann has come in as spin cover for Zampa.