Nathan Lyon says Matt Kuhnemann bowling action investigation could have been better handled

Lyon hasn’t played since Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka and missed NSW’s final Sheffield Shield match as they pushed for a spot in the final.

But Lyon, who like Usman Khawaja was spotted at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix event in Melbourne, said he was managing a hip injury. He is confident it won’t impact his preparations for Australia’s World Test Championship final against South Africa in June in London.

“I’ve been medically ruled out, to clear all that up,” Lyon said. “The plan was to play the Shield final if NSW were lucky enough to get in there. I ‘de-gloved’ my hip. Basically ripped the deep skin off the fascia. All well and good now.”

Green optimistic about Test return after injury

All-rounder Cameron Green says he’s open to dropping down to No.6 if it secures him a place in Australia’s Test XI for the WTC final.

The 25-year-old hasn’t played since an ODI against England in September due to a back injury.

Green has declared himself fit for the WTC final in June but won’t be back bowling until the Ashes, starting late November.

“I’m going pretty well, and I’m all fit and healthy,” Green told reporters in Perth.

“I’d always set my mind on maybe getting back for the last Shield game.

Asked about his spot in the order, with Beau Webster having made his debut during the summer, Green said: “We’ve obviously got an ultra-successful top five, six, seven … so it’s never easy, but that’s what you want it to be in a Test team.”

Green will play for Gloucestershire next month as he returns from injury.

Healy quizzed on women’s schedule

Australia’s women will face India in a multi-format series – three T20Is, three ODIs and a Test at the WACA – but none of the matches will take place in the school holidays.

Injured Australian captain Alyssa Healy was asked about the scheduling decision.

“It is what it is,” Healy said. “[It is] the changing nature of the international game at the moment. Obviously, the World Cup has pushed everything back and the WPL [Women’s Premier League], coming into that January window has kind of closed the gap for our summer down here.

“But I think just seeing what our Ashes series did at the back end of the summer this year, I’ve got positive vibes heading into this summer.”

CEO’s regret over Khawaja debacle

Queensland Cricket boss Terry Svenson has admitted the organisation’s handling of the Usman Khawaja saga was far from ideal.

Queensland’s head of elite cricket Joe Dawes and Khawaja haven’t spoken after a public slanging match over his availability for a Sheffield Shield match.

Svenson believes Khawaja will continue to play his domestic cricket with Queensland.

“Look, those comments that were made in the media were certainly regrettable,” Svenson told reporters.

“I would have liked to see them stay behind closed doors. I plan to sit down with them over the coming period and work through any differences they may have.

“Usman’s been wonderful for many years for us in Queensland and I would expect to see him in maroon this season.”

Cricket NSW boss pushes for SCG upgrades

Lee Germon, chief executive of Cricket NSW, says the SCG will need an upgrade if it wants to retain key matches.

It comes as CA boss Todd Greenberg put the issue on the agenda after the announcement of a new Brisbane Stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics that will then be used for cricket.

“We support the SCG being upgraded,” Germon said. “We’ve supported Venues NSW through their master plan process. They [some stands] do need work. They’re 40-plus years old now.”

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Asked if the SCG could lose the New Year’s Test, Germon said: “I don’t necessarily see it in the immediate future, but I think it’s something we need to be wary of and cognisant of.”

Webster wants a white ball game for Australia

Tasmanian all-rounder Beau Webster produced a stellar Test debut in Sydney and wants to become a three-format player for Australia.

Hobart will host a men’s T20 match between Australia and India on November 2, as well as a women’s ODI featuring the same opponents on February 27.

“No doubt I’d love to play all formats for Australia,” Webster said. “To play a game here at Bellerive Oval would be another dream come true.”