Aussies abroad stake claim for WTC final as Cameron Green prepares to return from injury
Cameron Green looks set to play his first game back from injury this week, with the Australian all-rounder expected to feature for Gloucestershire.
The 25-year-old has been sidelined with a back injury since September but is likely to play a handful of games in the County Championship over the next two months.
Green is hoping to push his case for a spot in the Aussie side ahead of June's World Test Championship final against South Africa, where he would only be used as a batter.
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The right-hander admitted he could have played in last month's Sheffield Shield final should Western Australia qualified, but feels prepared to get back on the field.
Cameron Green will return to cricket this week. Getty
"The surgery has been incredible," Green said.
"It's for the long-term goal of playing cricket for as long as I can. Bowling for as long as I can. I got it for that reason, solely. Obviously, I could have healed over nine months, but I took the option to get the surgery, and hopefully, fingers crossed, that's the last of it."
Green will be part of a Gloucestershire outfit that is captained by Cameron Bancroft, who is looking to keep his own Test career alive.
The former Aussie opener scored a century last week in a draw against Glamorgan and runs in English conditions could be vital ahead of the WTC decider at Lord's.
Another player plying his trade in the County competition is young quick Fergus O'Neill, who is coming off a brilliant first-class summer back home.
Fergus O'Neill in action fr Victoria. Getty
The 23-year-old was recently named as the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year after taking 38 wickets for Victoria and putting himself in the frame for higher honours.
O'Neill has taken that form to the UK and started the campaign with Nottinghamshire in red-hot form, claiming 11 wickets in just two matches.
Brendan Doggett, Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb have also started the season, while Test stars Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster will join their respective teams in the coming weeks to get a crucial taste of red-ball cricket.
