WTC Final: Jasprit Bumrah’s Heartfelt Message Helped Cameron Green Overcome Surgery Fears
In a heartwarming revelation ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 against South Africa at Lord’s, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green shared how a simple yet impactful message from Indian pace maestro Jasprit Bumrah eased his anxieties before undergoing back surgery in October 2024. Green described the gesture as ‘really special‘, highlighting the camaraderie that transcends fierce on-field rivalries.
Green, who suffered a stress fracture in his lower back earlier in 2024, faced a tough decision between natural healing and surgical intervention. Opting for the latter, the 26-year-old found himself grappling with uncertainty on the eve of the procedure. It was then that Bumrah, despite being in the midst of a Test match in India, took the time to reach out. ‘Jasprit messaged me the night before my surgery,’ Green told reporters. ‘Just a small gesture like that, coming from someone of his stature, made me feel so much better about the whole process.’
Bumrah’s own journey with injury and recovery added weight to his words of encouragement. The Indian pacer underwent a similar back surgery in 2022, which forced him to miss the T20 World Cup that year. However, his comeback was nothing short of extraordinary—leading India to the 2023 ODI World Cup final, captaining the team to the 2024 T20 World Cup title, and clinching the Player of the Series award in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with a staggering 32 wickets. ‘Watching Jasprit dominate post-surgery gave me immense confidence,’ Green admitted. ‘If he can do it, so can I.’
As Green prepares to take the field in the WTC Final, his focus is squarely on contributing as a specialist batter. After an impressive stint in England’s County Championship, where he smashed three centuries in five matches, the lanky all-rounder is likely to bat at No. 3—a position he has embraced throughout his career. ‘I’ve batted at three my whole life, so there are absolutely no issues there,’ he said with a smile. With Steve Smith anchored at No. 4, Green’s role at the top becomes even more critical for Australia’s bid to claim the coveted WTC mace.
Reflecting on his injury in an episode of cricket.com.au’s Unplayable Podcast, Green explained the nuances of his surgery. ‘The procedure involved shaving down some bone to reduce stress on my spine. It limited my ability to bend as effectively, but it was necessary for long-term recovery,’ he revealed. Now, with months of rehabilitation behind him, Green appears ready to face the Proteas on the grand stage.
In a sport often defined by intense competition, stories like these remind us of the human spirit that binds cricketers across borders. Bumrah’s gesture not only bolstered Green’s resolve but also underscored the mutual respect shared between two of the game’s brightest stars. As the WTC Final looms, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Green, hoping to witness a performance inspired by the same resilience that defines his mentor, Jasprit Bumrah.