Ashes 2023: Cameron Green says opening the batting would be a stretch for him as Aussies mull XI

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has declared himself “all good” for the fourth Ashes Test but says it’s unlikely he would open the batting. So who does get the nod at the top of the order?

Cameron Green says it would be a “bit of a stretch” for him to open the batting in Test cricket as intrigue builds as to whether Australia’s selectors will find room for both him and Mitch Marsh in the XI for the fourth Test.

Green, along with rested paceman Josh Hazlewood and backup opener Marcus Harris comprised the small group of Australian players who attended an optional training session in Manchester on Friday, two days before the bulk of the Australian squad reconvenes in the nets ahead of the Old Trafford Test beginning on Wednesday.

Cameron Green has declared himself “all good” for the fourth Test. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

West Australian all-rounder Green missed the third Test at Headingley after being pulled from the side with a minor hamstring complaint but batted and bowled on Friday as he allayed any concerns about his ongoing fitness.

“I think it was very, very minor, If it was a final or anything I could have easily played. But just being precautionary,” Green said.

“I‘m going really well. No real issues at the time, it was more it’s just a long tour so I think everyone kind of wanted to get a break throughout one of the games, so that was my game. The body is all good.”

Optional training session for Australia in Manchester today. Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood and Marcus Harris the only ones out there. @codecricketaupic.twitter.com/Jh9rgpdWhU

— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 14, 2023

With Green declaring his availability for this match, the selectors are facing a challenging call on the composition of the Aussie side after Green’s replacement Marsh posted a century and took two wickets in a brilliant return to the Test arena at Leeds.

That showing almost certainly ensures Marsh will hold his spot for the Manchester clash, meaning Green’s best way back into the XI would be at the expense of another player. Opening batter David Warner, who failed twice at Headingley, has not had his place in the side publicly guaranteed.

However if Green replaced Warner in the XI, Australia would still need to find another man to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of the order.

Green has opened the batting for Australia in white-ball cricket and batted as high as No. 4 in the Sheffield Shield, but cast doubt over whether he could open the batting in Test cricket.

“You never know, I think it‘s a bit of a stretch,” Green said.

“I think being an all-rounder – probably Shane Watson is the only one who comes to mind doing that – I‘m not too sure how much he bowled.”

Cameron Green says the prospect of him opening the batting for Australia “a bit of a stretch” Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

However Green said he would ultimately be willing to bat in any position if it meant playing for his country.

“I think anyone would be happy to bat anywhere to play Test cricket. You always put your hand up for selection, but have to wait and see what selectors think,” Green said.

While Marsh’s strong form may have jeopardised Green’s spot, there is no hint of resentment from the younger man.

“I was so happy for Mitch,” Green said.

“Obviously, he‘s been one of the best players in white-ball cricket for the last few years. There was no doubt in my mind that he was going to come back and play an incredible game, which he did. So happy for him.

“I think we both have a great relationship together. We‘re so happy for each other when one gets picked out the other basically. I kind of look up to Mitch, so I’m so happy to see him play well.”

Originally published as Ashes 2023: Cameron Green says opening the batting would be a stretch for him as Aussies mull XI