Australia v West Indies first Test in Adelaide: Cam Green’s batting admission ahead of red-ball return

Having lost his spot in the XI following Mitch Marsh’s heroics during the Ashes, Cam Green has been afforded a path back into the Test side, albeit not in the batting position he expected.

Cameron Green says he had been expecting to return to the Australian Test side as an opener before Steve Smith’s late push allowed the all-rounder to bat at his preferred No.4 spot.

Having lost his spot in the XI following Mitch Marsh’s heroics during the Ashes, Green has been afforded a path back into the side after selectors opted to push Smith into the opening vacancy left by David Warner, paving the way for Green to fill Smith’s void at No.4.

It means Green will play his first Test since July when he lines up against the West Indies at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.

The West Australian said he was pleased to be back in the team, particularly in the position where he bats for his state side.

Known as a slow starter, Green said he had at times felt hurried batting at No.6, where he has spent the majority of his Test career since making his debut against India, also in Adelaide, in late 2020.

“I think what I like is I’ve got a bit of time,” Green said on Monday.

“I’ve always felt maybe a touch rushed at six, especially after Heady (Travis Head) makes it look a bit too easy at No.5.

Cameron Green will start his first Test in his favoured batting position. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“I’ve always felt like I’ve maybe had to push the game along, whereas I feel like No.4 is my natural game where I can take my time and settle in.”

A day after Smith said selectors had first thought he was joking when he floated the idea of an elevation, Green said he had been bracing to take the opening spot in the event he returned to the XI in Adelaide.

“I had no idea (that I would bat No.4) until about Wednesday,’’ he said. “(I was) excited when I heard the news.

“I thought it was about 95 per cent chance of opening, so that’s where my head went for a couple of weeks.”

Green said selectors hadn’t given him an indication either way until late in the piece.

“They didn’t say anything,’’ he said. “I was just biding my time and thought I might as well get my skills up just in case.

“They just let me know, ‘just prepare like you would and wait and see’.”

The decision to reshuffle the order rather than bring in a specialist opener split opinions but Green said the scrutiny around the call hadn’t bothered him.

Cameron Green batting in the Adelaide Oval nets. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Cameron Green won’t shirk his workload with the ball. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

“I don’t feel any pressure,” Green said. “Replacing someone like Steve is pretty tough but I’m just going to play my own way.

“But I’m grateful for him putting (me batting at No.4) in his mind.

“I feel like there are a lot of seriously good talented cricketers that are unfortunately missing out.

“I think that’s the beauty of where Australian cricket is at the moment. Renners (Matt Renshaw), Harry (Marcus Harris) and Bangers (Cameron Bancroft) are playing some awesome cricket.

“But then you’re also missing out four or five other cricketers that could make the team as well.

“Good competition, that’s what makes a good team. (But) no extra pressure.

“I don’t feel it from within the group. So yeah, just go out and play my natural game.”

Despite the move up the order, Green said he would not have any bowling restrictions and he was ready to be used as much as captain Pat Cummins needed him.

“Definitely still an all-rounder,” Green said.

“I’ve been doing it for WA for a few years, bowling my full quota as well as batting at four, so got no issue keeping the same load up.”

Originally published as Australia v West Indies first Test in Adelaide: Cam Green’s batting admission ahead of red-ball return