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Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc eye return as Australia fight to stay in series

image-lejkmph8Green was ruled out of the first two Tests [Twitter]

Australia's aspirations of levelling the Border-Gavaskar Trophy have been elevated, as all-rounder, Cameron Green is poised to make his return to the Aussie playing XI for the latter half of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The lanky all-rounder's presence on the field had been absent since the Boxing Day Test in late December, after having incurred a broken finger. His injury significantly hindered his impressive performance, in which he earned his maiden five-wicket haul in the baggy green.

While the Australian team is favoured to rely on spin, the absence of captain Pat Cummins for the third Test against India in Indore next week, and fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood's departure after his continuous battle with an Achilles injury, leaves the team with a dearth of pace options.

Moreover, veteran Mitchell Starc's unavailability for the first two Tests due to a hand complaint suffered in Melbourne adds to the challenges. However, southpaw may be selected for the third Test as Australia strives to halt India's winning streak, while Green is expected to make a comeback to the team following his recovery from the finger injury.

Speaking on his recovery, the West Australian said that his progress was “going really well” and that he is now “100% ready to go.” The 23-year-old also mentioned that he was "extremely close" to returning in the second Test in Delhi, but added that the additional week had been helpful.

Former Australian captain Steve Smith will be leading the team for the Indore Test, replacing the absent skipper Pat Cummins, who is uncertain to return to India as he remains in Australia to spend time with his seriously ill mother. With David Warner's elbow injury prompting the veteran opener's return to Australia, two spots are vacant in Australia's XI.

Consequently, Concussion substitute Matt Renshaw may lose his place to Green, while Starc is viewed as a suitable replacement for Cummins. India and Australia will face off in the third Test at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on Wednesday, March 1. The hosts have managed to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after taking a 2-0 lead in the series.