'There is a lack of loading there' - Cameron Green's full fitness still a concern for Australia ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Australia cricketer Cameron Green is still very much doubtful to be available fully fit for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in India, starting February 9, 2023.

The main doubt about Green's availability is his ball-loading, where he is still facing massive issues. And with the all-important series just weeks away, Australia wouldn't want to risk making too many tweaks into their squad, and would also want all their regular players fit, provided they have a lot at stake.

Biggest challenge is bowling: Australia coach gives statement on Cameron Green

"Where he's positioned at the moment, his biggest challenge is bowling," Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

McDonald clearly said that the 23-year-old is an extremely important member for the Australian squad, and that his fitness could very much affect the combination and balance of the squad. He further stated that he was very much worried about whether the tall all-rounder would actually be able to bowl, if he got to play in India.

The main concern with Green currently is his bowling action, more specifically his loading, where every bowler has their own way of loading. Since Green fractured his bowling finger during the South Africa Test series,  he is still facing troubles while releasing the ball. The management has said that Green is recovering well, but the fracture was so lethal that he is still having to visit the surgeon on a regular basis for deep scrutiny.

"There is a lack of loading there, and one of the key reasons around us getting into this camp early is to make sure that we're ready to go for the rigours of what the bowling unit [is] going to encompass. Building confidence is the main thing, setting him up to succeed in that first Test match, having enough time, that will be the critical question." McDonald added.

However, emphasising on Green's importance, the head coach said that if at all, the situation arises that Green couldn't bowl at all, then the Australian management wouldn't mind playing the all-rounder purely as a batter.

"We value his batting first and foremost really, he's a batter in our top six and we value that, his bowling is a bonus. A very nice bonus," McDonald said. "We see Handscomb as an important right-hand option. We've got a lot of left handers. If there were to be any late changes, or Cameron Green doesn't make that first Test, we feel we have some good options." McDonald concluded.

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