Australian selector George Bailey is “very hopeful” Cameron Green will be fit to play in June’s World Test Championship final against South Africa.

However, a wrinkle to the news is the fact Green isn’t expected to be able to bowl, which could lead to a tough decision for the ICC tournament decider.

The 25-year-old missed the entire home summer due to a back injury, but has returned to training and could factor into plans as the Aussies prepare to defend their crown.

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Green posted a video on social media on Wednesday in the first indication that one of the country’s brightest stars could be back sooner rather than later.

“Very hopeful he will be available as a batsman for the World Test Championship final,” Bailey told media during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Green was coming into his own 12 months ago and started to deliver on his undeniable potential at Test level, belting an unbeaten 174 against New Zealand.

While he is on the right path, Green wasn’t selected as part of the 16-man touring squad to face Sri Lanka later this month in the red-ball format.

His impending return to the Aussie line-up could spell the end for Mitchell Marsh, who was axed for the Sydney fixture against India last week in favour of Beau Webster.

Bailey isn’t as pessimistic about Marsh’s chances of a recall, but acknowledged the battle for an all-rounder spot could make it tricky.

“I don’t necessarily see it as the end of the road,” he said.

“Mitch at his best and with a longer-term view of what the Ashes may look like and what England may throw at us there, I think he’s got a skillset that suits there.

“Not taking away from the fact that at some stage we are going to have the return of Cameron Green as well into the team – but unlike some, I’m not as glass half-empty as where that leaves Mitch.” 

Marsh was left out of the group to face Sri Lanka as the likes of Josh Inglis and Nathan McSweeney put themselves in the mix for a spot in the top six.