Cameron Green May Play WTC Final as Batter for Australia

WhatsApp Channel Button

Cameron Green’s Road to Recovery

Australia is optimistic about Cameron Green’s return for the World Test Championship final against South Africa. Although Green may only play as a batter, his progress has raised hopes for the squad.

On Wednesday, Green shared a video on social media showing himself running, marking nearly three months since his back surgery ended his domestic season. Chief selector George Bailey expressed confidence, stating he is “very hopeful” of Green’s participation at Lord’s.

Green will undergo further scans next month and is expected to resume batting in May. However, his return to bowling may take longer and is unlikely before Australia’s three-Test tour of the West Indies in June and July.

Green may feature as a batter only in the World Test Championship final.
He aims to resume bowling later in the year.
Scans next month will determine his fitness progress.

Beau Webster’s Rising Star

Beau Webster has retained his spot in the Australian team following an impressive debut in Sydney. He scored 57 and an unbeaten 39, demonstrating his value as a versatile player. His ability to handle a heavy bowling workload adds depth to the squad.

Webster’s primary bowling experience comes from off-spin, though he transitioned to medium pace during the Covid period. While his spin skills are not a selection factor for Sri Lanka, selectors view his medium pace as an asset. Travis Head will provide additional spin support for frontline bowlers Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy.

Mitch Marsh’s Uncertain Future

At 33, Mitch Marsh faces uncertainty regarding his Test future. Despite this, George Bailey left the door open for Marsh’s potential return during the next Ashes series. Marsh made a strong impact in his recent return against England in 2023, showing his skills remain valuable.

Bailey emphasized that Marsh’s skill set could suit the challenges of playing against England. However, the team is preparing for Green’s eventual return, which may limit Marsh’s opportunities. Bailey remains optimistic about Marsh’s long-term contributions, stating, “It’s not the end of the road for him.”

Australia’s Spin Strategy in Asia

Australia’s upcoming matches in Sri Lanka highlight the importance of spin bowling. With Nathan Lyon leading the attack, Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy are likely to feature as key spinners. Selectors have ruled out relying on Webster’s off-spin, focusing instead on Head as a secondary spin option.

According to Bailey, Webster’s spin ability is “a nice fourth or fifth bow” but not critical for the team’s plans in Sri Lanka. The team’s primary spin responsibilities remain with Kuhnemann, Murphy, and Lyon, ensuring a balanced attack.

ALSO READ: South Africa Aim to Maintain Home Dominance as Pakistan Seeks Redemption

The Road Ahead for Australia

Australia’s Test plans revolve around managing player workloads while balancing performance. The potential inclusion of Cameron Green as a batter and the consistent rise of Beau Webster signify the team’s adaptability. As the team prepares for challenges in the West Indies, Sri Lanka, and the Ashes, selectors are keeping their options open for both youth and experience.