The Ashes 2025 is shaping up to be a fiercely contested series, and recent developments in the Australian camp have sent ripples of concern through the England cricket team. The news that Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has resumed bowling ahead of the blockbuster series, set to commence in November 2025, is a significant boost for the hosts and a potential headache for England. Green’s return to full fitness, particularly his ability to contribute with the ball, strengthens Australia’s already formidable lineup and adds another layer of complexity to England’s preparations. This article explores the implications of Green’s return, England’s challenges, and the broader context of the upcoming Ashes series.
Cameron Green’s Return: A Game-Changer for Australia
Cameron Green, the towering Australian all-rounder, has been a pivotal figure in Australia’s cricketing setup since his debut. His ability to contribute significantly with both bat and ball makes him a rare asset in modern Test cricket. However, Green’s bowling has been limited in recent times due to a back injury that required surgery in October 2024. Since then, he has primarily played as a specialist batter in both Test and limited-overs formats. His absence from bowling duties left a gap in Australia’s attack, with the team relying heavily on their pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, alongside spinner Nathan Lyon.
The announcement that Green is set to resume bowling is a major development. Speaking to the media in Mackay ahead of the second ODI against South Africa, Green outlined his plan to prioritize red-ball cricket, particularly in the Sheffield Shield, to build up his bowling workload. “In the past, it worked really well when I focused on Shield cricket,” Green said. “So I think that potentially might be the way to go, especially with working my way back with bowling. Potentially get a few more overs, over a few more days might be the best way to go about it.”
Green’s return to bowling restores balance to Australia’s lineup. His ability to bowl probing spells of seam bowling, often generating extra bounce due to his 6’6” frame, complements the relentless pace of Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood. In the 2023-24 Test series against New Zealand, Green was the third-highest run-scorer, amassing 184 runs across six innings on challenging pitches, demonstrating his batting prowess. Now, with his bowling back in the mix, Australia gains a versatile all-rounder who can ease the workload on their frontline bowlers while adding depth to the batting order.
For England, this development is concerning. Green’s bowling adds another dimension to Australia’s attack, which is already considered one of the strongest in world cricket. The “Four Horsemen” — Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, and Lyon — have been a dominant force, with Cummins leading the side to the World Test Championship title in 2022. Green’s ability to chip in with crucial wickets or bowl tight spells could prove decisive in the high-pressure environment of an Ashes series. England’s batters, already tasked with facing Australia’s pace battery, will now have to contend with Green’s awkward bounce and disciplined line, particularly on the bouncy pitches of Perth and Brisbane.
England’s Challenges: Injuries and Spin Woes
England’s preparations for the Ashes have been far from smooth. The recent 2-2 draw against India in a thrilling five-Test series exposed vulnerabilities in their lineup, particularly in the spin department and their reliance on key players like Ben Stokes. The series saw England collapse dramatically in the final Test at The Oval, falling six runs short of a 374-run target despite being well-placed at 301 for three. The loss highlighted issues with their batting discipline and the absence of a reliable spinner to counter opposition batting lineups.
One of the most dramatic moments of the India series was Chris Woakes batting with a dislocated shoulder in a sling, a testament to England’s fighting spirit but also a reminder of their injury concerns. Woakes, a key all-rounder, suffered the injury on the first day of the fifth Test but bravely came out to bat on the final day, needing just 17 runs to win. His rehabilitation is progressing well, with Woakes recently telling Sky Sports, “Certainly good news for me. That’s the best way to look at it. Obviously out of the sling and feel like I can move it a lot better now, which is good two weeks down the line.” However, his fitness for the Ashes remains uncertain, and England cannot afford to lose another all-rounder in a series where depth will be critical.
England’s spin bowling woes are another significant concern. The absence of Shoaib Bashir due to injury in the final two Tests against India left England short of options, with part-time spinners unable to fill the gap effectively. Young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has expressed his desire to play in the Ashes, telling The Telegraph that he is eager to contribute with both bat and ball. However, as a wrist-spinner, Ahmed struggles with consistency, a common challenge for leg-spinners in Test cricket. Ricky Ponting has suggested that Shoaib Bashir is England’s closest equivalent to Nathan Lyon, but Bashir’s inexperience and recent injury raise doubts about his readiness for the high-stakes Ashes series.
England’s pace attack, led by Mark Wood and potentially Jofra Archer, offers hope, particularly on the fast Perth pitch. However, managing their fitness will be crucial, as both have histories of injuries. Wood, who has not played a Test in 15 months, and Archer, recovering from his own injury challenges, represent England’s best chance of matching Australia’s pace threat. Yet, as BBC Sport’s Stephan Shemilt notes, England’s inability to keep their fast bowlers fit has been a recurring issue, undermining their success in big series.
The return of Cameron Green exacerbates these challenges. England’s batters will need to devise strategies to counter his bowling, while their own bowling unit must find ways to compete with Australia’s depth. The prospect of facing Green as a fifth bowling option, alongside Australia’s established quartet, could stretch England’s resources thin, particularly in the grueling five-Test series.
The Broader Ashes Context: A Battle of Titans
The Ashes 2025 is being billed as Australia’s biggest sporting event of the year, with Cricket Australia anticipating a highly competitive and potentially spiteful series. The rivalry between Australia and England is steeped in history, dating back to the first Test in 1877. Australia’s dominance in recent decades, particularly at home, makes them favorites, but England’s “Bazball” approach under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has added unpredictability to the contest.
Australia’s batting lineup, despite some concerns about the top order, remains formidable. Steve Smith, described as the best Ashes batter since Don Bradman, and Travis Head, one of the world’s top all-format batters, provide stability. However, questions linger over Usman Khawaja’s form and Sam Konstas’s inexperience at the top. Cameron Green’s ability to bat at No. 6 or higher adds flexibility, allowing Australia to field a balanced side.
England, meanwhile, will rely heavily on Stokes, described as the team’s “beating heart.” His ability to perform miracles, as seen in the 2019 Headingley Test and the 2022 T20 World Cup final, makes him a talisman for the side. However, Stokes’s injury history — he has not played a full part in England’s last four Test series — raises concerns about his durability. Joe Root, fresh off overtaking Ricky Ponting as the second-highest run-scorer in Test history, will also be crucial, particularly as he seeks his first Test century on Australian soil.
The psychological battle will be intense. Nathan Lyon has spoken about the evolution of Bazball and the role of sledging in the Ashes, hinting at a fiery series. Australia’s home advantage, combined with their bowling strength and Green’s return, gives them an edge, but England’s aggressive approach could lead to thrilling encounters. The series, starting with a day-night Test at the MCG, promises to be a spectacle, with both teams vying for supremacy in one of cricket’s greatest rivalries.
In Summary
Cameron Green’s return to bowling is a significant boost for Australia as they prepare for the Ashes 2025. His all-round abilities enhance an already potent Australian side, posing a fresh challenge for England, who are grappling with injury concerns and spin bowling deficiencies. As the series approaches, England must address these weaknesses while preparing for the hostile environment of Australian pitches and crowds. The Ashes remains the ultimate test of cricketing prowess, and with Green back in the fold, Australia looks better equipped to retain the urn. For England, the task is daunting, but with Stokes leading the charge, they will fancy their chances of pulling off what would be a historic victory. The stage is set for a thrilling contest, and cricket fans worldwide will be watching closely.
