Cameron Green has revealed the profound impact of a "special" gesture from Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah ahead of his back surgery in October 2024. The Australian all-rounder, set to make his return to international cricket in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, shared how Bumrah's support provided him with much-needed reassurance and confidence during a challenging time.

Green had been struggling with a stress fracture, and while natural healing was an option, it would have meant a lengthy recovery period of nine to twelve months. Opting for surgery was a tough decision, but Bumrah's message, sent on the eve of the operation, proved to be a turning point.

"Jasprit Bumrah reached out the night before I was getting surgery. He was in the middle of a Test match in India," Green told reporters. "Just a few things like that are really special and makes you feel a lot better about it."

The significance of Bumrah's message wasn't lost on Green. Bumrah himself had undergone a similar back procedure approximately 18 months prior and had made a remarkable comeback to international cricket, showcasing his exceptional skills and fitness. Green drew immense strength from Bumrah's journey, seeing it as a beacon of hope and a testament to the potential for a full recovery.

"To get someone like him to reach out and then to watch him during the summer, to see how good he is obviously post-surgery, filled me with a lot of confidence," Green said, highlighting the impact of Bumrah's successful return on his own mindset.

Green and Bumrah share a connection through their time with the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 IPL season. Although Bumrah was sidelined due to his own recovery during that period, they established a rapport, making Bumrah's gesture all the more meaningful.

Green also received encouragement from other pacers who had undergone similar operations, including Jason Behrendorff and Ben Dwarshuis. Their positive feedback further solidified his decision to proceed with the surgery, reinforcing his belief that it was the right course of action.

While the injury forced Green to miss significant events, including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, the Champions Trophy, and the 2025 IPL season, he has made a strong comeback to cricket. He showcased his form in the County Championship, scoring three centuries in five matches for Gloucestershire.

Now, Green is poised to feature in the WTC Final as a specialist batter. He sees a silver lining in his injury setbacks, appreciating the opportunity to focus solely on his batting.

"The silver lining to having four back injuries is I've got four chances only to be a batter," Green said. "I felt like my game's always been good around those periods... So, certainly, just batting is nice."

Green's journey back to the international stage has been significantly aided by the support and inspiration he received from Jasprit Bumrah. The Indian pacer's "special" gesture not only provided Green with confidence before his surgery but also served as a reminder of the potential for a successful return to the sport he loves.