Cameron Green resumes bowling in WA Shield ahead of Ashes

Australia allrounder Cameron Green resumed bowling as part of a planned comeback this week, aiming to be unrestricted for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21. Green, who underwent spinal surgery last October after his fifth stress fracture, is set to bowl in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield opener at the WACA on Saturday and has been targeting a measured workload as he rebuilds his bowling capacity.

“It’s been a long 12 months, but I’m feeling really good,” Green told reporters on Friday. “The body’s in a good place. It’s been a really good rehab journey. I feel stronger, fitter. My action feels good. The first Test should be no restrictions. That’s kind of the whole plan of the last year to peak for the Ashes.” He said he expected to bowl a quota of eight overs in the Shield match as part of a gradual loading program.

Green’s return to bowling follows an extended period playing as a specialist batter after surgery. He missed Australia’s home series against India last summer and skipped the recent T20I tour of New Zealand to prioritise his preparation for the Ashes. Team management plans for him to feature in up to three of Western Australia’s four pre-Ashes Shield...