All-rounder Cameron Green to play as specialist batter for a dozen days

Cricket Australia have clarified that Cameron Green would not be able to bowl for a dozen days, amid growing conjecture around his role at Kolkata Knight Riders.

The all-rounder featured at one drop, scoring 18 off 10 in their six-wicket loss to Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, March 29. However, he was not among the six bowling options employed by Ajinkya Rahane, as Mumbai Indians overhauled 221 with five balls to spare.

At the presser, Rahane was asked about Green’s bowling availability, to which he said: “Ask Cricket Australia”.

CA have now confirmed that Green will abstain from bowling for a while, as he is recovers from a ‘minor back complaint’. The 26-year-old had already undergone a major back surgery in late 2024. “KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information,” the release added.

That KKR has been kept in the loop quashes any speculation around his current profile, especially since he became the most expensive overseas player to be bought at the auction ever at INR 25.20 crores. While he did not roll his arm over in his most recent Sheffield Shield appearance a couple of weeks ago, Green chipped in with a few overs at the T20 World Cup.

Australian players have been the cynosure of all eyes at the IPL this time, particularly regarding their workload and injury management. Josh Hazlewood has linked up with Royal Challengers Bengaluru but wasn’t available for the opener due to fitness issues. Mitchell Starc put out a public statement clarifying he is recovering from shoulder and elbow niggles, making him unavailable for the early part of the competition.

Pat Cummins, too, is currently sitting out due to lumbar stress trouble. Nathan Ellis and Jack Edwards have been ruled out of the competition due to injuries.