Cameron Green has overcome a painful pre-Ashes scare in the Indian Premier League semi-final before his exciting IPL adventure was finally ended in Ahmedabad.
Mumbai Indians' star Aussie allrounder was for a while on Friday at the centre of worrying scenes at the Narendra Modi Stadium when he was struck in the arm by a short, sharp 146kph ball from Hardik Pandya in the second over, which forced him to retire hurt during their defeat against Gujarat Titans.
But amid fevered speculation that he might have suffered a break close to his elbow after the blow proved so powerful that it appeared to leave an imprint on his forearm close to his elbow, there was relief for all Australian observers as Green was passed fit to return to the crease at the fall of a later wicket.
Thankfully, Green didn't look in too much discomfort when he returned to clout a couple of sixes but when finally bowled for 30 off 20 balls by Josh Little, his impressive IPL debut season was done and dusted, along with that of all the Australian contingent at this year's edition.
Ultimately, it was the new superstar Shubman Gill who completely stole the show from Mumbai's last three Australians left in the tournament - Green, Tim David and Jason Behrendorff - with a matchwinning century that stamped his place as the new darling of the Indian game.
Behrendorff and Green went for 63 wicketless runs between them and David's one major unfortunate contribution was to drop Gill at mid-on when he was on 30.
Green also dropped a difficult return chance off the man he'll soon be facing in the World Test Championship final.
They proved difficult chances, but were extraordinarily costly misses.
For by the time David did finally catch him, Gill had motored elegantly to 129, including 10 effortless sixes and seven fours off just 60 balls, in what was one of the landmark innings the league has witnessed. In front of 75,000 enthralled fans too.
His third ton of the season propelled reigning champions Titans to 3-233 off their 20 overs, which never looked attainable after fast bowler Mohit Sharma also went to work, taking 5-10.
It gave Gujarat a 62-run win with 10 balls to spare and set up a final on Sunday against Chennai Super Kings on the same ground.
"The over I hit three sixes is where I felt it was my day," Gill smiled. "I wanted to maximise scoring. Belief is more important. Helps when you're coming off a good international season. This is my best innings so far in the IPL."
Once Green returned for his second spell at the crease, his forearm covered with tape but still not wearing an arm guard, Mumbai still had some hope as the dazzling Suryakumar Yadav made 61 off 38, yet Sharma clean bowled him, ending their chances .
