Shane Watson and Cameron Green. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is willing to bat at any position required to regain his place in the Ashes starting XI for the fourth test. Green’s absence from the third Test due to a minor hamstring injury, paved the way for Mitchell Marsh, who impressed with a blistering century in Australia’s first innings.
As selectors ponder the team’s lineup for the next match at Old Trafford, there were speculations about both Western Australians featuring in the same team, with one of them replacing David Warner as an opener. Yet, Green, who has never batted above No.4 in his first-class career, believes it would be too demanding for an all-rounder to face the new ball and also bowl lengthy spells.
“It might be a bit tougher as an allrounder when you have to bowl your 15 to 20 overs in a game and then also bat No.4. Probably Shane Watson is the only (opener) who comes to mind doing that (and) I’m not too sure how much he bowled. You always put your hand up for selection but have to wait and see what selectors think,” Green was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.
Comparisons have been drawn between Green and former Australian all-rounder, Shane Watson, both known for their technically correct batting and ability to bowl at over 140 kmph. Watson opened the batting in 29 of his 59 Test appearances, and in 19 of those matches, he also bowled more than 10 overs. However, Watson’s dual role as an opener and bowler was challenging, as evident by his limited success in combining both tasks.
I kind of look up to Mitch, so I’m so happy to see him play well: Green
While Cameron Green expressed enthusiasm at the possibility of playing alongside Mitchell Marsh, his close friend and fellow allrounder, he admitted that it remains unlikely. But he also mentioned that he looks up to the senior Australian and he is more than happy to see him play for the nation.
He stated, “We both have a great relationship together… We’re so happy for each other when one gets picked… I kind of look up to Mitch, so I’m so happy to see him play well.”
Green claimed that his choice to sit out the Headingley Test was preventive in nature due to a slight hamstring strain; if it had been the decisive Test or a limited-overs final, he might have played. The 24-year-old demonstrated his commitment by coming right back to practice after the game instead of taking a break.