On his return to first-class cricket, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green slammed a century, only to retire hurt immediately after.
In February this year, Gloucestershire announced the signing of Green for five County matches, funded by a generous donation from an unnamed member of the club. The all-rounder is looking to step up his return from injury, in a bid to regain his spot in the Test side ahead of the World Test Championship final.
Match 25, Kent vs Gloucestershire
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On day one of Gloucestershire's third match of the season against Kent at Canterbury, they were put in to bat after Daniel Bell-Drummond won the toss. Openers Cameron Bancroft and Ben Charlesworth were dismissed lbw by Nathan Gilchrist for single-digits, to leave them 15-2.
Green came out at 41-3, after Oliver Price had also departed lbw, to Jaskaran Singh. He put on 67 for the fourth wicket with Miles Hammond (48), and reached his half-century off 87 balls, an hour into the second session.
Cameron Green retires immediately after comeback century
In the company of wicketkeeper James Bracey, Green slowly crept up towards the three-figure mark, but appeared to be struggling with cramp throughout his innings.
He eventually reached the landmark after tea, advancing down the wicket to Joey Evison and knocking the ball to mid-on for a quick single to bring up the milestone off 171 balls. Green dived to make his ground, and immediately got rid of his helmet and gloves before sitting up and gesturing to his left hamstring.
Bracey and the square leg umpire helped Green stretch out his leg, before Gloucestershire physio Chris Powell arrived on the scene. After attending to Green, the pair left the field, with the batter retiring hurt on 100. It remains to be seen if or when he will resume his innings.
Green last played for Australia in September 2024, in an ODI series against England. A month afterwards, he was forced to undergo lower spine surgery, to find a long-term solution to his chronic back issues – a procedure that resulted in him missing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Champions Trophy.
His last Test was also his last first-class game, against New Zealand at Christchurch in March 2024. He scored 25 & 5 in that game, also taking 1-21 and 1-48. If all goes well, Green should be able to return at least to the Australia squad for the WTC final this June, against South Africa at Lord's.
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