The topic of David Warner’s replacement looms large as Australia prepares for the West Indies series in mid-January. Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has thrown a curveball in this selection quandary by speculating that Cameron Green would be the surprising choice to start the Tests.
Known for his adaptable style of cricket, Watson feels that Cameron Green has all he needs to be successful at the top of the order. The youthful Green might open and succeed for the national team, in the opinion of the former Australian all-rounder. As a result, Watson supported Green and recommended that the Australian think tank offer the young person a fantastic opportunity in the future.
“I have no doubt that he can [open].” Cameron Green needs to be a member of the Australian team, and this is his chance to do so,” he stated in an interview with ESPN Cricinfo.
Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald first suggested Green as an opener back in November. McDonald had made hints about a possible change in the sequence, with Green going into the middle order and Marnus Labuschagne going up to open. But the possibility of Cameron Green starting the batting has gained traction because of other players’ resistance, such as Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, to switching positions.
When faced with a fresh ball, or perhaps two new balls at once, you’re well-prepared to handle the first one: Shane Watson
It’s interesting to see that Shane Watson compares his own experience during the 2009 Ashes to Cameron Green’s circumstances. In similar circumstances, Watson made the switch to opening and, over the next two years, produced some of his best Test-match performances. He was adamant that success did not necessarily require previous experience at the top of the order, noting the success of middle-order starters Simon Katich and Usman Khawaja as examples.
“Whether you come in early or face a second new ball, if you’re scoring runs even slightly lower down the order, you’re facing new balls at times, so you’re very well equipped to be able to deal with a brand-new ball opening the batting.” We’ve witnessed it several times. Simon Katich and Uzzy are two excellent examples,” Watson said. He highlights that having the correct strategy and mentality to make the most of one’s technical abilities is essential for success as an opener.
From ball one, I was fearless: Shane Watson
Primarily a middle-order player, Green has demonstrated potential across multiple formats. Watson acknowledges that Green’s promotion to the front of the order might lessen the stress and anxiety that come with waiting in line for an extended period of time. Based on his personal experience, Watson says that he was able to play with intention and fearlessness from the first ball of play since he was able to open the batting.
“I had no fear from ball one, which allowed me to bat in a way I had only ever dreamed of. In every format that he batted in, he continued, “I just took the bowlers on from ball one and let go of all that care and pressure that I had been putting on myself.”
Watson does, however, warn that Green’s bowling loads will need to be carefully monitored. He cites his own experience, in which Ricky Ponting made sure that opening-batting did not become unduly taxing due to bowling duties. Although Green may be up against a new task as he has never batted higher than No. 6 in Test cricket, Watson is confident in his ability to adjust.
The possibility of Cameron Green opening the innings gives an intriguing element to the team composition that Australia’s selectors will consider.
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