The Ashes: Chief selector George Bailey insists Cam Green will be fit despite another injury setback

As star WA allrounder Cam Green once again finds himself under an injury cloud, chairman of selectors George Bailey insists he will be fit for The Ashes despite the latest setback.

Green was ruled out of Australia’s white-ball series against India, beginning in Perth on Sunday, after picking up a side strain following his return to bowling in WA’s shield opener.

The 26-year-old is on the comeback trail from spinal surgery, which ruled him out of last summer, and was on limited loads bowling just four overs, but reported pain while training ahead of the first match.

Even minor side strains can see players ruled out for four to six weeks, but Bailey said there would be no question over Green’s fitness come The Ashes.

“It’s very, very minor,” he told the ABC.

“It’s a very conservative and precautionary approach from us, given the timeline and the work we’ve put into him to get him back out on the ground.

“He just pulled up a little bit sore post the Shield game and the big plan for him is to have him fit and firing as an all-rounder come the Ashes.

“The plan for him was always to play the first two One-Dayers and then the third shield game and I think the way he’s been swinging the bat in white ball cricket recently, it might just take him a couple more days to settle down.”

Green is the latest injury headache for Australian selectors, with Pat Cummins highly unlikely to play the first Test in Perth and fellow allrounder Beau Webster nursing an ankle injury.

WA quick Lance Morris has already been ruled out for the summer, while Jhye Richardson is racing to be fit for the back half of the series following his latest shoulder surgery.

With Australia’s bowling stocks already thin, the loss of Green’s bowling ability will put them further under pressure.

“As it stands at the moment, Green will be available for shield three and four, which was the plan all along,” Bailey said.

“I don’t think he has to be bowling necessarily to be a part of the team, but it would be advantageous absolutely.”

It comes as Marnus Labuschagne was called in to replace Green in the ODI squad, having been in red-hot form with four centuries to start the domestic summer.

His performances have made him a must-pick for The Ashes, though there is conjecture over where he fits into Australia’s top order.

“He absolutely could open the batting, I’ve got no doubt about that,” Bailey said.

“I don’t think that’s unqiue I think there’s a number of batters around the country who can go to the top from three or vise versa.

“I thought his movement and hands have been really good.”