Australian skipper Pat Cummins is willing to go without Cameron Green for the entire summer series if it means the Test star's back issues are recuperated.
Green is reportedly weighing up sacrificing his role in Australia's Test against India, set to begin November 22, to undergo back surgery.
The 25-year-old's looming absence forms yet another replacement search for selectors, who are considering Steve Smith is the right man at the top of the order.
Green has previously endured four stress fractures in his back but has not had an issue with the area since 2019.
Surgery has been recommended for the promising talent but a non-surgical rehabilitation method could see Green return to the field against India.
Green bats during the 3rd Metro Bank ODI between England and Australia. Getty
Cummins, who endured six-years of recurring injury-related setbacks, stated he hopes Green opts to take time to rehabilitate his injuries to avoid losing his pace bowling abilities.
"Really sympathetic," Cummins told The Age.
"We want him bowling, Cam wants to be bowling, and he has a long career ahead of him.
Green and Cummins discuss fielding placements. Getty
"It's about trying to place Cam the cricketer in the best position he can be to have the career that he's hoping for. He's young, so I'm sure he'll be right in the long run.
"Bowling and trying to bowl fast is unfortunately fraught with injuries. In some ways, the hardest thing is missing cricket and seeing games go by that you could have been part of, but also it can be a pretty lonely way back.
"You don't just set the clock and suddenly, you're back, there is a bit of work to get back and rehabbing and building up as well. It's always a challenge.
"It looks like Greeny is going to have that situation, which is not uncommon for him unfortunately, so he knows what needs to be done, but that doesn't make it any easier."
A decision on Green's availability is set to be made by Cricket Australia in the next week.
