Australia Head Coach talks about the batting position of Cameron Green in Australian Test Lineup

Cameron Green’s strong county form has almost secured his place in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, several selection questions remain, including his batting position and whether Australia needs an allrounder against South Africa at Lord’s.

Green’s Form Creates New Opportunities

Green has returned to action after back surgery and impressed in county cricket for Gloucestershire. He scored three centuries and a 67* in just eight innings, all while batting at No. 5. Although he won’t bowl in the WTC final, coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that Green is in strong contention as a pure batter.

McDonald said Green could bat anywhere in the top six. “He could be three, five, six, or even open,” he said. “He has the temperament and skills, especially in defense, to bat high up.”

Green last played Test cricket in March 2024, when he scored an unbeaten 174 in New Zealand. His return creates a ripple effect in the batting order, with Travis Head set to go back to No. 5 and Usman Khawaja needing another new opening partner.

Questions Around Labuschagne, Konstas, and Webster

Marnus Labuschagne’s form has raised concerns. He averages just 28.33 in this WTC cycle and has not scored a century in his last 29 innings. While selectors consider opening options, Labuschagne and young talent Sam Konstas are both in focus. Konstas has shown promise but has never played first-class cricket in England.

Beau Webster, who did well against India and Sri Lanka, is also in contention. However, McDonald said his selection depends on whether Australia needs a fifth bowler. Josh Inglis could also slot in as a specialist batter if no allrounder is chosen.

Hazlewood or Boland?

Australia also faces a key decision in their pace attack. Josh Hazlewood, returning from a shoulder issue, is competing with Scott Boland for the third seamer role. Hazlewood recently played in the IPL and looked in good rhythm during training.

McDonald stressed that final decisions will be made after assessing players in England. “We’ve got ideas, but we’ll only decide when we need to,” he said.

Opening Pair Needs Stability

Australia have used multiple opening partners for Khawaja recently. McDonald said they aim to settle on a permanent combination soon, with the home Ashes series on the horizon.

“We had moving parts last summer. It wasn’t ideal for Usman,” he said. “We want a settled opening pair going forward.”

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