Cameron Green: The Australian Promise Debuts in Test Cricket

Cameron Green: The New Australian Cricket Promise Ready to Debut

The young all-rounder from Western Australia, Cameron Green, 21, is set to make his debut at the Adelaide Oval. His arrival has generated great anticipation, being one of the most anticipated debuts recently.

Highlighted Career

In first-class cricket, Green has demonstrated outstanding performance. He has five centuries in 21 matches, including a career-high of 197 runs at the start of this season against New South Wales. His batting average is 55.04. In a match against Queensland at the Gabba in November 2019, Green demonstrated his potential with the bat, scoring 87 and 121 runs not out, batting at positions 8 and 9. That was also the last match in which he bowled for a year. With the ball, he averages 21.72 runs for his 33 wickets, including 5 for 24 in his first-class debut against Tasmania, against whom he also took his best figures of 6 for 30 in 2018. Although his career in limited-format matches is not as prominent, he recently debuted in ODIs a couple of weeks ago, but has only played a few matches, nine in List A and T20. It is with the red (and pink) ball that he is generating excitement.

Great Expectations

Greg Chappell has called him “the best since Ricky Ponting” in recent interviews. Chappell selected him at number 6 in the test team. “For me, Cameron Green is the next Australian cricket superstar,” he stated. “He is 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 uncommon talent. At 6 feet 7 inches, he could become something very special. I would put him 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.”

Recent Injury Concern

There was a worrying moment when Green was hit on the head by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery at the SCG. He had to leave the field and was substituted. Fortunately, the blow did not cause major damage, and it seems he will comply with Cricket Australia’s protocols to be able to debut.

The All-Terrain Vehicle Dreamed of by Australia?

Perhaps, although cautiously. This has nothing to do with his talent, but with the restrictions on his release due to a stress fracture in his back that he suffered last year. He has worked on his action with WA bowling coach Matt Mason, and has so far been limited to four-over spells. This season he has not bowled more than eight overs in a day in match conditions. However, he has shown his ability to take wickets: he claimed two in the second innings against the Indians at Drummoyne Oval and bowled a delivery to dismiss Shubman Gill before his injury at the SCG. Tim Paine also suggested that the bowling restrictions would 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.”

Early Debut?

In a way, yes. A few weeks ago it seemed unlikely that he would be part of the XI at the start of the series despite having been included in the extended squad. However, plans have been altered by the injuries of Warner and Pucovksi, which has led Australia to reorganize the batting order and has created an opportunity in the number 6 position. This does not mean that Green does not deserve it. Based on his current form, it could easily be said that he is among Australia’s top six batsmen, and both Justin Langer and national selector Trevor Hohns have said that he is worthy of being selected for his batting alone.