Cameron Green: The Australian Promise Debuts in Test Cricket

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

Western Australia’s young all-rounder, 21-year-old Cameron Green, is set to debut for Australia at the Adelaide Oval. His first appearance is one of the most anticipated in recent times.

Highlighted Career

Green’s first-class cricket career has been outstanding. He has accumulated five centuries in 21 matches, including a top score of 197 runs this season against New South Wales. His batting average is 55.04. In a match against Queensland at the Gabba in November 2019, he demonstrated his ability with the bat, scoring 87 and 121 runs not out, batting at positions 8 and 9. With the ball, he averages 21.72 with 33 wickets, including 5 for 24 in his first-class debut against Tasmania, against whom he also achieved his best figures of 6 for 30 in 2018. His career in limited-format matches is not as prominent, although he debuted in ODIs a couple of weeks ago, with only nine List A and T20 matches. It is with the red (and pink) ball where he is generating great expectation.

Great Expectations

Greg Chappell has called him the “best since Ricky Ponting”.

Greg Chappell

Chappell picked him at number 6 in the test team, highlighting his potential with the bat and ball.

“For me, Cameron Green is the next Australian cricket superstar. He’s a genuine prospect with the bat and ball, but I think his future is 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

Overcoming Injury

A worrying moment was when he received a blow to the head from a Jasprit Bumrah delivery at the SCG. He was retired from the match due to concussion, but scans ruled out any fractures. Fortunately, the blow did not cause major damage, and it seems he will comply with Cricket Australia’s protocols for his debut.

The Dream Off-Roader?

With caution, yes. Green has had restrictions on his bowling due to a stress fracture in his back last year. He has worked on his action 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. Tim Paine suggested that bowling restrictions could be relaxed. “I think he’ll bowl a few more than that, once you’re selected in a Test match, you’re ready to play. That 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 part of the initial team, despite being on the expanded squad. However, injuries to Warner and Pucovksi have led to changes in the batting order, creating the opportunity at number 6. This doesn’t mean Green doesn’t deserve it. Based on his current form, he could be said to be among Australia’s top six batsmen. Justin Langer and national selector Trevor Hohns have stated that he is worthy of selection based on his batting alone.