Cameron Green: The New Star of Australian Cricket Debuts

Cameron Green: The New Star of Australian Cricket Debuts in Adelaide

The 21-year-old all-rounder, Cameron Green, from Western Australia, is ready to make his debut for Australia at the Adelaide Oval. His first appearance is one of the most anticipated in recent times. Here’s a little about him.

Outstanding Cricket Career

In first-class cricket, Green has shown exceptional performance. He has accumulated five centuries in 21 matches, including an impressive 197, his personal best, earlier this season against New South Wales. In his recent encounter against India, he proved his worth. With a batting average of 55.04, Green has made his mark on the field. In November 2019, in a match against Queensland at The Gabba, Green showcased his potential with the bat, scoring 87 and 121 not out, batting in positions 8 and 9. That same match marked his last performance as a bowler for a year. Regarding his performance with the ball, he averages 21.72 with 33 wickets, including 5 for 24 in his first-class debut against Tasmania, a team against which he also achieved his best figures of 6 for 30 in 2018. Although his career in the white-ball format doesn’t stand out as much, he made his ODI debut a few weeks ago, but has only participated in nine List A and T20 matches. It is in the red (and pink) ball format where he is generating great expectation.

High Expectations Around Green

Greg Chappell has called him “the best since Ricky Ponting” in recent interviews. In June, there was speculation about the possibility of Australia playing Test and T20I matches on the same day, and Chappell selected him at number 6 for the Test team.

“For me, Cameron Green is the next Australian cricket superstar,” said Chappell. “He is a genuine prospect with the bat and ball, but I think his future lies as a batsman who can offer some quality overs. Cameron is a batsman with exceptional talent. At 6 feet 7 inches, he could become something very special. I would put him to bat at number 6 to start, but I think number 4 is his long-term position. The sooner he plays at this level, the sooner he will become the player he should be.”

Greg Chappell

The Concern About the Recent Injury

A worrying moment was when Green was hit on the head by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah at the SCG. He had to leave the field and was replaced due to a concussion. Fortunately, tests revealed no fractures and it seems he will be able to comply with Cricket Australia’s protocols for his debut.

The All-Terrain Vehicle Australia Needs?

Green could be that player, but with caution. Due to a stress fracture in his back that he suffered last year, he has been limited in his number of throws. He has worked on his technique with WA bowling coach Matt Mason, and has been limited to four-over spells. This season, he has not bowled more than eight overs in a match day. However, he has shown his ability to take wickets, such as the two he got in the second innings against India at Drummoyne Oval. Tim Paine suggested that bowling restrictions could be loosened. “I think he’ll bowl a little bit more, once you’re selected in a Test match, you’re ready to play. That being said, we don’t expect him to bowl a huge amount of overs with the attack we have.”

An Anticipated Debut

In a way, yes. A few weeks ago, it seemed unlikely that he would be in the starting eleven at the start of the series, despite having been included in the extended squad. However, injuries to Warner and Pucovksi have altered the plans, leading Australia to reorganize the batting order (at least for one Test) and creating an opportunity at number 6. This does not mean that Green does not deserve it. In his current form, it could be said that he is among Australia’s top six batsmen, and both Justin Langer and national selector Trevor Hohns have stated that he deserves selection based on his batting alone.