West Australian prodigy Cameron Green plunders classy century in Australia A clash

National selectors will have plenty to ponder after uncapped prodigy Cameron Green compiled a “fantastic” century against India A.

Australia's Cameron Green celebrates his century.

It’s official — the kid can bat, and he’s ready for Test cricket.

West Australian young gun Cameron Green has once again pushed his case for Test selection, compiling a classy century against India A on Monday.

For several months, Green has been touted as a future superstar of Australian cricket, and the 21-year-old proved exactly why at Drummoyne Oval.

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Facing a world-class Indian bowling attack — which included Ravi Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav — Green finished day two on 114 not out, his knock featuring 10 boundaries and a six.

That's the hundred! 🔥

Cameron Green is having a summer to remember. #AUSAvIND pic.twitter.com/8Rfay9x9QL

— News Cricket (@NewsCorpCricket) December 7, 2020

His innings was by no means flawless, with India’s fielders dropping a couple of tough chances in the afternoon session.

But Green’s performance has undeniably left national selectors with plenty to ponder leading into the first Test match against India at Adelaide Oval.

Opening batsmen Will Pucovski and Joe Burns both fell cheaply on Monday, neither capable of reaching double figures.

After surviving 22 deliveries, Pucovski threw his hands at a short delivery from Umesh Yadav, slapping the ball straight to point.

Soon after, Burns feathered a catch through to the wicketkeeper, failing to move his gloves out of the path of a Yadav bouncer.

Then on the final ball before lunch, former Australian vice-captain Travis Head needlessly slashed at a full delivery from Mohammed Siraj and chopping back onto his stumps.

All three wickets were an ugly reminder of how vulnerable Australia’s top order will be if Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne don’t fire in the Test series.

But while several of his teammates threw their wicket away, Green was fiercely resilient and patient in Drummoyne, capitalising on the old ball in the evening session.

Cameron Green of Australia A.

“He hasn’t pushed hard at the ball when the bowling’s been really good, he’s been quite patient,” former Australian cricketer Brendon Julian said on Fox Cricket.

“Yes he’s had good shot selection, but he’s been really patient and played the ball late with soft hands. That says to me he sums up the conditions quite well.

“We’ve seen Travis Head, Marcus Harris, Joe Burns pushing hard at the ball – and those are the guys that have played Test cricket – and then you’ve got a guy who hasn’t played Test cricket that seems to have summed up the situation better.”

Former Australian spin bowler Brad Hogg tweeted: “Cameron Green has to be a certainty to play the first Test now.

“Pick of the batsmen in the first innings, and bowled some tidy overs.”

Pick. Him. #camerongreen #gun #AUSAvIND #AUSvIND

— Mathew Thompson (@MathewJThompson) December 7, 2020

Wow. Cameron Green. He's quite the talent. What a fantastic century. @cricketcomau @abcsport

— David Mark (@davymark1) December 7, 2020

Only injury can stop Cameron Green playing 100+ Tests.

— Dean Bilton (@Dean_Bilton) December 7, 2020

So the bat off between Joe Burns and Wil Pucovski has been won by Cameron Green?
🏏

— Richard Hinds (@rdhinds) December 7, 2020

READ MORE: ‘Super bat’ theory needs to be answered

Australia A coach Matthew Mott backed Green to flourish in Test cricket if granted the opportunity.

“He just loves spending time out there in the middle,” Mott said at stumps.

“I don’t envy the job of selectors trying to fit them into six spots.

“He definitely put his hand up today and showed what he can do.”

Green has now scored five first-class centuries since bringing up his maiden Sheffield Shield in November 2019. His first-class batting average currently sits at 54.58.

Because Australia were undefeated in five Test matches last summer, selectors may be reluctant to chuck Green into the starting XI.

But Head and Matthew Wade will be cautiously looking over the shoulder for the next couple of weeks.

Australia A are 8/286 at stumps with a lead of 39 runs.