The pressure on out-of-sorts allrounder Cameron Green has reached boiling point, after a costly dropped catch and the stunning emergence of Beau Webster in the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG.
Green's fielding blunder compounds tough summer
Green's difficult series took another turn for the worse on the fourth day in Sydney. In the penultimate over before lunch, the 26-year-old fumbled a straightforward slips catch from England opener Ben Duckett, who was on 38 at the time. Making the error more glaring, Green dived in front of the reliable Steve Smith to spill the chance.
The mistake drew immediate reactions. Bowler Michael Neser dropped his head in despair, while Smith – who has taken more catches than any non-wicketkeeper this series – was seen remonstrating with Green. Fortunately for Australia, the drop proved not too costly, with Duckett adding only four more runs before chopping on to Neser for 42.
Webster stakes undeniable claim with bat and ball
While Green struggled, Beau Webster delivered a performance that will give national selectors a serious headache. Batting at No.9 in his first innings of the summer, Webster scored an unbeaten 71. This score surpassed Green's highest of the series (45) and was Webster's fifth half-century from just eight Tests.
With the ball, Webster was even more impactful. The part-time off-spinner returned career-best figures of 3-51, swinging the match decisively in Australia's favour after tea on Wednesday. He removed the dangerous Harry Brook (42) lbw, had Will Jacks caught by Green for a duck two balls later, and then dismissed an injured Ben Stokes.
Webster's efforts restricted England to 8-302 at stumps, a lead of 119 runs. His performance was particularly valuable on a pitch where Australia opted not to select a frontline spinner.
Fans and statistics turn up the heat
The contrast between the two allrounders has ignited fierce debate among cricket fans. Social media was flooded with comments questioning Green's place in the side, with many arguing Webster had done more in one Test than Green had all series.
The statistics make for stark reading. This summer, Green has averaged just 21.28 with the bat and taken four wickets at an expensive 70.75. He also overstepped for a wicket ball on day two at the SCG. Webster, since his debut at the same ground last summer, now has 449 Test runs at 41.09 and eight wickets at 23.36.
Despite his strong performance, Webster remained diplomatic. He admitted disappointment at missing the first four Tests but stated he didn't "have a point to prove." He expressed full faith in the selectors, acknowledging the strength of the Australian squad.
"The selectors picked the team that they thought were going to win the (Perth) Test and we did," Webster said. "As much as every cricketer in the 15 wants to be in that XI, there’s always a couple of guys that are going to get left out."
With Australia poised to complete a 4-1 series victory, the focus now shifts to the future of the allrounder position. Webster's commanding display at the SCG has ensured that the battle for the coveted spot will be one of the major talking points of the Australian summer.
