Former all-rounder Shane Watson thinks Test rookie Cameron Green is extraordinary

Shane Watson says patience will be the key to letting boom all-rounder Cameron Green shine.

Cameron Green will make his Test debut for Australia against India. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has called for “patience” with rising star Cameron Green who will make his Test debut in Adelaide on Thursday.

Watson, one of only three Australians to make a century in all three forms of cricket and who finished his international career with nearly 10,000 runs and 250 wickets, hailed the 21-year-old Green.

He labelled the feats in Green’s short career, which recently included a century for Australia A against India which cemented his Test selection, as “extraordinary”.

“It’s super exciting to see him get a chance in Test cricket, Watson said.

“Cameron green is a matchwinner with both bat and ball. To be able to see a young guy, a 21-year old be able to do what he’s done already in his 23 matches that he has played in first class cricket is absolutely extraordinary.

“Five first class hundreds, two five-wicket hauls as well with the ball, six foot six, he gets bounce with the ball, he’s an incredibly accomplished batsman, he’s got power on both the back foot and front foot, and he’s up against one of the bets cricket teams in the world.

“It’s going to be a huge test for him.”

Every All-Rounder dreams of having the skills that Cameron Green has. It really is an exciting time in Australian Cricket to see someone with his skill taking on the best players on the world.#INDvAUS @stars_t20 #CameronGreen https://t.co/SZA13e2b82

— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) December 17, 2020

But Watson, who made close to 4000 runs and took 75 wickets in his 59 Tests, also urged caution around the young West Australian.

Australian fans have long hoped for a great all-rounder, and there hasn’t been anyone since Watson.

But plenty have predicted Green can be that player, with former Test captain Greg Chappell calling him the best young Australian batsman since Ricky Ponting

“We need to be patient with him,” Watson, who recently retired from all forms of the game, said.

“Everyone needs to be patient with him. He’s got incredible skill and we want to let him shine for as long as we possibly can.”

Cameron Green bowls as well as he bats. Pic: Phil Hillyard

Originally published as Former all-rounder Shane Watson thinks Test rookie Cameron Green is extraordinary