MELBOURNE: Coach Andrew McDonald has suggested that all-rounder Cameron Green might be excused from white-ball commitments for Australia to focus on refining his skills in red-ball cricket in preparation for the upcoming Test series against India next summer.
Green’s recent success in the Wellington Test, where his unbeaten 174 contributed significantly to Australia’s victory, was attributed in part to his prior participation in Sheffield Shield cricket for Western Australia, emphasizing the importance of red-ball preparation.
McDonald hinted at a similar approach for Green ahead of the India series, potentially resting him from scheduled ODIs and T20Is against Pakistan at the beginning of the home summer. Despite acknowledging Green’s prowess in white-ball cricket, McDonald emphasized prioritizing preparations for the crucial Test matches ahead.
Wellington solidified Green’s claim to the number four position, previously dominated by one of the nation’s cricketing legends, Steve Smith. Smith, now partnering with Usman Khawaja at the top of the batting order after David Warner’s retirement from the format, relinquished the spot to Green.
McDonald emphasized the importance of collective performance, stating, “We expect the top six or seven batters to contribute collectively.”
