Australia created Green monster as IPL circles

Cameron Green has created a multimillion-dollar headache for Australian cricket with the player confirming his place in this Friday’s IPL auction.

Cameron Green bowls during practice ahead of the second Test. Picture: Getty Images.

Taking Cameron Green to India as a replacement for David Warner in September’s T20 series seemed like a good idea at the time, but the short-term play has created a multimillion-dollar headache for Australian cricket with the player confirming his place in this Friday’s IPL auction.

Playing in just his second T20 international, Green belted 61 from 30 deliveries in the first match against the Indians.

A few games later he scored 52 from 21 balls and any IPL franchise not already salivating at the prospect of getting its hands on the clean hitting all-rounder was now standing knee deep in a puddle of the stuff.

Green, who was added to the World Cup squad and played the last match, had already hung out the shingle with some big innings against New Zealand in the ODI series, but those performances in India took him to another level.

Green’s management confirmed on Wednesday that he would enter the India Premier League auction where he is expected to attract enormous interest and money.

There are 21 Australians in Friday’s auction ahead of the 16th edition of the IPL, but Green shines brightest among them all.

He has confirmed to interested parties that he has every intention of pursuing opportunities in the lucrative competition despite the gruelling fixture that lies before and behind him.

He shapes as potentially the most sought-after player on offer in the auction alongside Sam Curran and Ben Stokes.

Ravi Ashwin predicted a long way out that he would “break the bank” – that’s the bank that’s handed top players $2-3m in recent years.

Indian IPL “experts” are full of speculation about the West Australian who is expected to break the bank.

They say his potential suitors are many. The Lucknow Super Giants will be looking to replace Jason Holder, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have slots in the top order, and Punjab Kings also have room in their roster. Chennai Super Kings have openings for two overseas player and recently let Dwayne Bravo go. Delhi Capitals have plenty of money and the need for an all-rounder. Punjab Kings let West Indies all-rounder Odean Smith go and are in the market.

Somehow Ricky Ponting’s Delhi Capitals have been left out of the speculation, but the former Australian captain is certain to be looking for a bit of the youngster when the bidding starts.

Green is among the first three sets of players to go under the hammer and its there the bidding wars are expected to happen.

The 23-year-old all-rounder has nominated himself in the top price range bracket alongside Travis Head and Chris Lynn.

No warning light could shine brighter for Australian cricket, which has shown an interesting approach to man management of its most valuable young star.

Green’s had something of a frustrated start to the Test summer but, being among the few three-format players, it is no surprise.

Where Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Nathan Lyon and Marnus Labuschagne got to focus on preparation via the Sheffield Shield, the batsman AND bowler was only granted hit outs in the white ball formats.

The greats of the broader game are often celebrated for their ability to play all three formats at the top level. Among them are David Warner, Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli. We are talking elite talents here.

The band of all-rounders able to do the same is significantly smaller. Andre Russell, Marcus Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell can’t make the cut at Test level, Moeen Ali is there and about, but a spinner. Even Ben Stokes has had to cut back on his commitment and recently retired from the one-day game.

When Stokes pulled the pin on the 50 over game in June he did so with the next 12 months in mind.

“Three formats are just unsustainable for me now,” he said.

Warner issued a warning to Green about entering the IPL, saying that playing four Tests and then that tournament would mean 19 straight weeks in India before heading to the UK for the Ashes.

He said that a first-time visitor will struggle with the heat and recovery aspect of the games, which he as a batsman alone finds quite challenging.

“Glenn Maxwell did it a couple of years ago, played the whole year and then was cooked come the season,” he observed.

Green has taken time to find his feet this summer. He didn’t get a bat in Perth and while he looked confused in Adelaide it was the run out of Head that probably set him back the most. The South Australian made no secret of his unhappiness with the youngster.

Four reassuring straight boundaries on the way to just 18 in the hectic encounter at the Gabba were welcome and a sign of better things to come, but most pleasing was an effort in the field that resulted in five catches.

Green himself has safe hands. Whether his career is in safe hands is something that remains to be seen.