Cricket: Cameron Green could be one of Australia’s greatest all-rounders, Kim Hughes
Young gun Cameron Green has surged into test contention and has all the makings of a genuine superstar, according to former test skipper Kim Hughes.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Cameron Green could be Australia’s best all-rounder for almost 70 years and will have a Ben Stokes-style impact on the Test team according to a former Test captain.
Green has surged into contention to make his Test debut against India on Thursday and former Test captain Kim Hughes feels if he passes concussion protocols for a head knock sustained last week he must play.
“It just hope they pick Green – he could be a genuine superstar,’’ said fellow West Australian Hughes.
“If his back holds up he could be Australia’s best all-rounder since Keith Miller.’’
Watch Australia v India Test Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with the Fox Cricket commentary team. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >
The debonair Miller, who played 55 Tests from 1946-56, remains the timeless, unmatchable yardstick for all-rounders because he was good enough to be chosen as a batsman or bowler, making him the rarest of cricketing birds.
Hughes feels Green is already good enough to be chosen for his batting skills alone.
With his bowling workload limited after several stress fractures, Green is not physically developed enough to handle the workload of a frontline bowler but his best work is worthy of a specialist.
“Green could end up like Jacques Kallis or Ben Stokes if he stays fit but the important thing to remember is he is good enough to bat in the top four even if he does not bowl. He has a beautiful technique.
“You just have to get him in there. He bats as well as anyone. He has shown that in Sheffield Shield cricket and against India.
“He could bat as high as four if you needed him to. And he can bowl 10 overs a day. He is 200cm and can bowl close to 145kph.
“I’m not sure whether they might drop Joe Burns and get Marnus Labuschagne to open because Labuschagne has does well at three and would comfortably handle the switch.
“Or they could drop Matthew Wade. But whatever the do the quicker they get Green in the better.’’
Former Test selector Merv Hughes is not as keen to see Green wedged into the middle order while his bowling workload is being managed, feeling it faces unfair pressure on the player and the team.
He also feels that Wade and Travis Head have done enough to retain their places for the start of the summer.
“I’m not sure that it is fair on Green to play him at this stage because if a bowler goes down it could put pressure on him to bowler longer spells than he is conditioned to do,’’ Hughes said.