Australia's Cameron Green not allowed to bowl in early stages of IPL

Green batted at number three in KKR's IPL opener against Mumbai Indians on Sunday, scoring 18 off 10 balls, but did not bowl as his side went down to a six-wicket defeat.

Kolkata captain Ajinkya Rahane admits Green's inability to bowl affects the balance of the team but they are hoping to get it right as the tournament progresses.

"Unfortunately, Cameron Green cannot bowl at this moment," Rahane said. "When he starts bowling, the combination will be slightly different.

"At the moment for us having that sixth option as a bowler is really important because we don't want to put too much pressure on our spinners as well, because as I said, Sunil and Varun have experience.

"Vaibhav just started to do really well last year. He had a good season for us, but we don't want to put too much pressure (on him).

"Batting-wise, we will take that responsibility to score runs, but the bowlers will take some time, and I am sure they will be okay, they will be fine."

a CA spokesperson said: "Cameron has a lower-back injury, which is being managed, but requires him to abstain from bowling for a short period,"

"Cameron is currently rebuilding his bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days' time.

"KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information."