Green would find it hard to open batting in Manchester

Scott Bailey | July 15, 2023

Cameron Green has admitted it would be “a stretch” for him to open at Old Trafford, playing down the prospects of moving to the top of the order in place of David Warner.

Green has declared himself 100 per cent fit to play in the fourth Test, after missing last week’s three-wicket loss at Headingley with hamstring soreness.

But he knows his fate rests in the hands of selectors, after Mitch Marsh mounted a near-irresistible case to stay in the XI after a century filling in for Green in the loss. 

One option for Australia remains using Green as opener and leaving out Warner, who’s scored 141 runs at 23.5 in this series and has yet to lock down his spot.

But Green said he felt it would be difficult for him to juggle his role as an allrounder with opening in Test cricket, after having never batted that high in the Sheffield Shield. 

“I think it’s a bit of a stretch,” Green said.

“Being an allrounder, it would be hard.

“Probably Shane Watson is the only one who comes to mind doing that, and I’m not too sure how much he bowled.”

Watson’s bowling loads stayed largely the same during his time as Australia’s first-choice opening batsman between 2009 and 2011.

If Marsh and Green were both in Australia’s team, it is likely that could soften the pair’s bowling workload with overs split between the pair. 

But Green said he would feel more comfortable moving slightly further up the order to fit back into the team at No.4 or No.5.

That would then likely leave Marnus Labuschagne or Travis Head opening in place of Warner.

“Anyone would be happy to bat anywhere to play Test cricket,” Green said. 

“You always put your hand up for selection, but have to wait and see what selectors think.

“Everyone enjoys (batting higher). You get more time in the middle. 

“It might be a bit tougher as an allrounder when you have to bowl your 15 to 20 overs a game and then also bat number four, but have to wait and see.”

The selection squeeze between Warner, Green and Marsh looms as Australia’s biggest decision for the second Test, with Josh Hazlewood also likely to return for Scott Boland.

Green said it would be incredible if he played alongside Marsh in the same side, and insisted he had no regrets about missing the Headingley Test and opening the door for his West Australian teammate.

“I kind of look up to Mitch, so I’m so happy to see him play well,” Green said.

“There was no doubt in my mind that he was going to come back and play an incredible game, which he did. So happy for him.

“We both have a great relationship. We’re so happy for each other when one gets picked over the other, basically.”