Australia’s Test selection plans have taken another turn with Cameron Green set to be available as a batter for the India series, but not as a bowler until at least the later matches.

The Nine papers reported Aussie officials are already planning for most of a summer without Green as a bowling option due to a back injury.

But he could return to the field for Australia A’s game against India A at the MCG in early November purely as a batter, and be available through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.

Much of the 25-year-old’s value comes from his ability to contribute as a bowler though he is most likely to be needed in that role in the Melbourne and Sydney Tests, where he is some chance of being available.

At the very least backup bowlers such as Scott Boland and Michael Neser will now have a greater chance of selection if required to spell, or replace, Australia’s stars.

If Green can only bat it could add to the growing push for him to open.

With Steve Smith, who filled the gap left by David Warner after his retirement, likely to move back to No.4 former Australian coach Darren Lehmann nominated the West Australian as a potential opener.

“For me, Smith goes to four, there’s no doubt about that,” Lehmann told the ABC.

“That means either Green has to open or they go for a traditional opener.”