A century for Cameron Green on his return to the crease piles pressure on Marnus Labuschagne

Thanks to a mystery benefactor, Cameron Green is back playing cricket in the English County Championship, and in the first of five matches has already staked his claim for a Test revival.

Cameron Green has turned up the heat on Marnus Labuschagne by making the most of an English county deal sponsored by a mystery benefactor.

In his first match in eight months after back surgery Green scored a century for Gloucestershire against Kent before retiring hurt with cramps.

Cameron Green's last appearance was in an ODI at Chester-le-Street, 206 days ago.

He has marked his return to cricket - and his debut for Gloucestershire - with a 171-ball century.

But his innings was halted immediately on reaching three figures. pic.twitter.com/uMyneyvXg9

— Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) April 18, 2025

Gloucestershire were 7-365 at stumps on day one after being sent into bat.

Australia’s selectors are watching Green closely because they are considering whether to rush him into the side for the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s in June.

Cameron Green celebrates his century during the last Test series he played which was against New Zealand. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Green will be unable to bowl until the end of the year so Australia would need to choose him as a batsman only.

He would appear to be in competition with Labuschagne for a place in the top order.

Cameron Green's return to first class cricket piles pressure on Marnus Labuschagne. Picture: Supplied

There is a possibility one could open and the other could bat at No 3 given chairman of selectors George Bailey said the Test championship side would most likely be different from the one which followed it in three Tests in the West Indies.

“It’s been eight long months on the sidelines so to get back out here was very special and it’s always a good way to start your tenure,’’ Green said.

“All the Gloucester coaches have been unreal, they gave me the best prep they could have. There was a bit of Dukes ball work back in WA but I think it was a really good training block and it’s always nice to spend some time out in the middle.’’

In a deal sponsored by a mystery benefactor who is believed to be Gloucestershire member, Green will play five county matches over the next six weeks in a side captained by Western Australia’s former Test opener Cam Bancroft.

Originally published as A century for Cameron Green on his return to the crease piles pressure on Marnus Labuschagne