Cricket Australia Confirms Cameron Green's Back Injury Amid KKR's Struggles
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New Delhi, March 30 (NationPress) Cricket Australia has addressed the concerns raised by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane regarding Cameron Green's absence from bowling in the team's significant defeat against the Mumbai Indians. The board clarified that they had notified KKR beforehand that the all-rounder would be unable to bowl for the initial 10–12 days of the IPL due to a lower back injury.
On Sunday, KKR faced a disappointing loss to MI as Hardik Pandya's team successfully chased down a target of 221 with six wickets and five balls to spare. The opening partnership of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton was pivotal, contributing to a commanding 148-run stand that effectively sealed KKR's fate within the first 10 overs.
In search of answers, KKR was unable to depend on their top all-rounder Cameron Green, who was acquired for a record Rs 25.20 crore. Following the loss, a visibly frustrated Rahane remarked to presenter Ian Bishop that the question of why Green did not bowl should be directed at Cricket Australia, suggesting the board had limited Green’s participation.
Cricket Australia has since clarified, stating, “Cameron is managing a lower back injury that necessitates a brief period of abstaining from bowling. He is currently working on rebuilding his bowling loads in India and is expected to return in approximately 10-12 days. KKR has been fully informed of this situation.”
Making his debut for KKR on Sunday, Green batted in the top-order at No. 3, first entering the innings before being dismissed for 18 runs off 10 balls, as the three-time champions managed to set a total of 220/4.
The absence of Green's bowling has placed KKR in a challenging position. The team is also grappling with injuries to Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana, and has had to release one of their key players, Mustafizur Rahman, due to rising tensions between India and Bangladesh.
If KKR adheres to Cricket Australia's timeline, Green is unlikely to bowl in their first four IPL matches. For the time being, Green will participate as a specialist batter against SunRisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants until he receives clearance from CA.