Australian cricket great Adam Gilchrist has cast doubts over Cameron Green’s long-term future at No.3 after the towering all-rounder retained his spot against the West Indies.
Green featured in the first-drop role in the World Test Championship final, but failed to fire with the bat as the Aussies were defeated by South Africa.
As a result of the shock loss – as well as Steve Smith’s finger injury – selectors made multiple changes to the XI ahead of the series opener in Barbados.
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Aussie captain Pat Cummins confirmed the line-up on Wednesday morning (AEST), with teen tyro Sam Konstas set to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja – who is twice his age – while Josh Inglis also comes back into the side and will bat at No.4.
Sam Konstas of Australia. Getty
Konstas, 19, replaces the dumped Marnus Labuschagne, while Inglis – who scored a century in his Test debut in Sri Lanka earlier this year – replaces the injured Smith.
Green will remain in the same role, despite suggestions Inglis could have slotted in there.
Cummins says the 26-year-old is now viewed as a long-term option in the key spot.
“We always like to not have too many moving parts,” the skipper said.
“We see (Green) as a long-term option. He’s hitting the ball really well, he’s moving really well. He had a Test match where it didn’t go to plan, and he only faced (five) balls.
“The message is not to look into that too much. We’re really happy with where his game is placed and I dare say he’ll get a decent run.”
Cameron Green of Australia. Hagen Hopkins via Getty Images
While the belief inside the four walls of the Aussie camp is that the Perth product is the answer, Gilchrist isn’t so sure about it being Green’s best spot.
Speaking on SEN Radio, the legendary keeper-batsman said the overall value that Green brings to the Test arena should prompt selectors to keep him lower down the order.
“I’m personally not sure on that long-term,” Gilchrist said.
“It’s not casting doubt about his batting ability, it’s about his all-round capacity to contribute to the Australian cricket team. He adds too much in the other areas of the game, with the ball and catching and everything that goes into it.
“I think he’d be better-suited, longer term, at four or five.
“It’s funny how they’ve changed that opinion – they moved Steve Smith to say that our best line-up was with Cam Green at No.4 [last year].”
Cameron Green Getty
Gilchrist also queried whether it was a “development” scenario for Green, who is still on restricted duties after a stress fracture in his back towards the end of 2024.
“I’m not in and around the team, I don’t know what their plans are and I don’t know what his back is like,” Gilchrist said.
“He might be ruled out of bowling for another year or so and they might see it as his development to get him in at three.”
The other big selection call for the Aussies was around the bowling attack, with reports indicating that the visitors could have utilised a dual-spin attack.
However, when the side was locked in, Matt Kuhnemann was nowhere to be seen, with Nathan Lyon taking his usual role alongside the big three of Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, while all-rounder Beau Webster is another option.
Matt Kuhnemann Getty
“We don’t really know what to expect but it feels like the three quicks are better suited for this wicket,” Cummins said.
“I think it’ll be pretty good wicket with maybe a little bit of spin later on in the game.
“Honestly, I’ve got no idea.”
The first Test will begin at midnight Wednesday (AEST).
Australian team vs West Indies: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
West Indies team: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Keacy Carty, Brandon King, Roston Chase (c), Shai Hope (wk), Justin Greaves, Jomel Warrican, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales
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