The pressure on young all-rounder Cameron Green to retain his spot in the Australian Test side has reached a critical point following a disappointing dismissal on day two of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.
Green's Dismissal Labelled 'Rubbish'
Green, batting at number four, fell for just 16 runs in a manner that drew sharp criticism. Facing England's part-time spinner Joe Root, the 24-year-old attempted a forceful cut shot to a delivery that was too full for the stroke. The ball skidded through low and crashed into his off stump.
Former Australian captain and legendary batter Ricky Ponting did not mince words in his assessment for Sky Sports UK. Ponting slammed the shot selection as "rubbish" and "way too forceful for that length of delivery on that wicket." He emphasised that Green, a tall player, needed to get forward to the ball rather than playing back so deep in his crease.
A Series of Low Scores Intensifies Scrutiny
This latest failure adds to a concerning run of form for Green in this Ashes series. His scores across the first four Tests now read: 38, 28, 0, 0, 18, and 16. With a series average of just 16.6, his output with the bat has fallen well short of expectations for a player slotted into the crucial number four position.
The scrutiny is amplified by the context of his selection. Green was recalled for the third Test at Headingley, replacing the out-of-form veteran David Warner, which prompted a reshuffle that saw Usman Khawaja open and Marnus Labuschagne move to first drop. This placed Green directly into the engine room of the batting order, a role he has yet to own.
The All-Rounder Conundrum and Mitchell Marsh
The situation creates a significant selection headache for the Australian team management. Green's primary rival for the all-rounder's spot, Mitchell Marsh, made a spectacular return at Headingley with a run-a-ball 118. Marsh was then rested for the Old Trafford Test as part of a pre-planned rotation for the multi-format player.
However, Marsh's explosive century and proven impact have set a high bar. With Green struggling for runs and England's aggressive 'Bazball' approach demanding wicket-taking bowlers, the balance of the side is under the microscope. The Australian attack looked somewhat threadbare on day two as England's batters, led by Zak Crawley, scored at a rapid rate.
Ponting pointedly noted the dilemma, suggesting the team might need to consider whether they can afford to carry a batter at number four who is not contributing significant runs, especially when a potent bowling option like Marsh is waiting in the wings.
What Comes Next for Green and Australia?
The remainder of the Old Trafford Test and the looming fifth Test at The Oval will be decisive for Green's immediate future. He requires a substantial innings to silence the critics and justify the faith shown in him by selectors Pat Cummins, Andrew McDonald, and George Bailey.
With the series still alive at 2-1 in Australia's favour, every performance is magnified. The team's quest to win an Ashes series in England for the first time since 2001 may hinge on tough decisions about team balance and form. Cam Green now faces the biggest challenge of his young Test career to prove he is the right man for the job.
