Cameron Green: The Australian Promise Debuts in Test Cricket

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

The 21-year-old all-rounder from Western Australia, Cameron Green, is set to make his debut for Australia at the Adelaide Oval. His arrival generates great expectation in the cricket world.

Outstanding Cricket Career

In first-class cricket, Green has demonstrated outstanding performance. He has accumulated five centuries in 21 matches, including an impressive 197, his best score, earlier this season against New South Wales. His batting average is 55.04. In November 2019, in a match against Queensland at The Gabba, he demonstrated his ability with the bat, scoring 87 and 121 not out, batting in positions 8 and 9. That was also the last match in which he bowled for a year. 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 obtained his best score of 6 for 30 in 2018. Although he debuted in ODIs a few weeks ago, his career in this format is limited, with only nine List A and T20 matches. It is with the red (and pink) ball where Green has generated the most enthusiasm.

Great Expectations

Expectations are high. Greg Chappell has called him “the best since Ricky Ponting” in recent interviews. Chappell selected him for the number 6 position in the test team.

“For me, Cameron Green is the next Australian cricket superstar. He is a real 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 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

Recent Injury Concern

A concerning moment occurred when Green was hit in the head by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. He was removed from the match due to concussion, but scans ruled out fractures. Fortunately, the blow did not cause major damage, and it seems he will be able to debut after complying with Cricket Australia’s protocols.

The Ideal All-Terrain Vehicle for Australia?

Green could be the solution, although with caution. He has been limited in his releases due to a stress fracture in his back suffered last year. He has worked on his action with WA bowling coach Matt Mason, and so far 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: he claimed two in the second innings against the Indians at Drummoyne Oval and delivered an exceptional delivery to dismiss Shubman Gill before his injury at the SCG. Tim Paine suggested that bowling restrictions could be relaxed. “I think he’ll bowl a few more, 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 having been included in the expanded squad. Plans changed due to injuries to Warner and Pucovksi, which led Australia to reorganize the batting order and create 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 just for his batting.