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It would not be surprising if Cameron Green felt a
little like he was doomed if he chose to open the batting in the Adelaide Test
and doomed now that he is batting at number four.
The all-rounder from Western Australia, who hasn’t
played in a Test since he was dropped for the first time in his brief career
during the Ashes last July, expressed his gratitude and excitement at being
able to participate in a match against the West Indies.
However, his inclusion in Australia’s XI this week has
strangely infuriated some supporters. If he had taken David Warner’s spot at
the top of the order, which he was considering as late as last Wednesday,
people would have viewed him as an unworthy big square peg attempting to fit a
custom round hole because he had first-class opening experience.
Even though Green has averaged 65.09 in 24 Sheffield
Shield innings at No. 4 and 66.03 in his past 38 Shield innings overall, some
feel he still hasn’t done enough to merit batting at No. 4 while Steven Smith
moves from his prolific middle-order post to the top.
“I don’t feel any pressure,” Green said.
“Obviously replacing someone like Steve is pretty tough. But I’m just
going to play my own way. But I’m obviously grateful for him putting that in
his mind and thinking of me.
“I think he’s super excited to be opening. I
think it’s a win-win.”
Just ten months later, in March of last year, it would
have seemed unthinkable that Green wouldn’t be on Australia’s Test squad.
He scored his first Test century in Ahmedabad during
the fourth Test match against India. A chanceless 114 against an attack
containing Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar
Patel. In India, he has amassed more Test hundreds than Travis Head, Mitchell
Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, David Warner, and combined. It was only his second
innings since he returned from a severely fractured finger, and it was also
only his second Test match since he grabbed five wickets in his debut against
South Africa.
Having spent more time at home this summer than he did
the entire previous year, he comes back to the big stage feeling renewed and
invigorated. He is also prepared to assume the responsibilities and comfort of
playing at number four, even though he has only played twice since the ODI
World Cup.
“What I like is that I’ve got a bit of
time,” Green said. “I’ve always felt maybe a touch rushed at No.6,
especially after Heady [Travis Head], he makes it look a bit too easy at No.5.
I’ve always felt like I’ve maybe had to push the game along where I feel like
No.4 is my natural game, where I can take my time and get myself in.”