Cameron Green, the emerging all-rounder from Australia, is currently battling time to be fit for the 1st test match of the India vs Australia test series 2023 to be played in Nagpur. Green’s availability for the India vs Australia 1st test match will be confirmed after his bone reports are submitted to Cricket Australia on January 30. He got injured during the boxing day test match against South Africa by an Anrich Nortje delivery.
Australian bowling coach Andrew McDonald is however more worried about Green’s bowling load before the start of the Border-Gavaskar series 2023. McDonald has expressed his concerns over the all-rounder’s lack of bowling practice before the Nagpur test. This is why he wants Green in the Aussie camp at the earliest to ensure he is ready for the rigors of test match bowling.
Cameron Green is an important asset for the Australian test side as his all-round abilities give the team a cushion of playing an extra spinner, if necessary. McDonald has stated that even if Green is not ready to bowl, Australia would not mind playing him as a specialist batter.
What are Australia’s options if Green is deemed unfit for the 1st Border-Gavaskar test match? Australia can go ahead with Matt Renshaw, who filled in for Green, in the final test match of the South African series. They also have the option of Peter Handscomb who has the experience of playing in Indian conditions. However, if the star Aussie all-rounder can be fit to play as a pure batter, Renshaw and Handscomb might have to warm the benches.
Australia’s Test Squad for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023
Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Ashton Agar, Travis Head, Scott Boland, Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, Peter Handscomb, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Hazlewood, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner.