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If Australia chooses to play all-rounder Cameron Green
at No. 4 and start with Steven Smith in the Test series against the West
Indies, Marnus Labuschagne feels it “looks like the perfect
scenario”.
Prior to playing for the Heat against the Perth
Scorchers on Wednesday night in the BBL, Labuschagne was giving a speech in
Brisbane.
Before the team to play the first Test in Adelaide is
announced on Wednesday, he answered inquiries about the composition of the
batting order. Following David Warner’s retirement, Smith has stated that he
would like to go from No. 4 to open. No. 4 is Green’s preferred position.
“If Steve does get the nod [to open], I have no
doubt that he will do a good job,” Labuschagne said. “Cameron Green’s
record at No. 4 for Western Australia is amazing.
“Obviously that is not a direct correlation to
Test cricket, but you can be pretty confident that over a period of time he is
going to be a very good player in that position.
“[Smith] is excited for a new challenge. If that
motivates him and gets the cricket world Steven Smith for another two or three
years, I think that is a massive win.
“It looks like the perfect scenario. When he was
captain I know he liked a little more time between being in the field and going
out there, but he is ready to get out there from the start now.”
“I have no doubt that if Cam had to slot into the
No.1 spot that he would be able to do that as well and that he would be able to
bat wherever the team needs, but it seems in this case that Steve really wants
that opportunity to bat at the top,” Labuschagne said. “If they do end up
going that way it looks like the perfect swap.”
He said Green had all the attributes to succeed at No.
4 at Test level.
“He has got a really nice even temperament, a
great ability to absorb pressure, is a very good decision-maker, has got a
sound technique and a great defence,” Labuschagne said. “I think that
is the versatility you need at No. 4, someone that can play different scenarios
and know when to push the button and when to hold back.