Australia weighs Cameron Green's form with 28.33 average ahead of WTC final

Australia's coach Andrew McDonald faces a tough call as Cameron Green, recovering from back surgery, has struggled for centuries in Tests, averaging just 28.33 in the current WTC cycle. The final playing XI and batting order remain flexible, with Usman Khawaja locked in but the opener partner and all-rounder spot still undecided.

Sources:
ICCEspncricinfo
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: ICCEspncricinfo
Australia's cricket team is carefully weighing Cameron Green's form ahead of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. Despite a modest average of 28.33 in the current WTC cycle and no centuries in his last 29 Test innings, Green remains a key consideration for the playing XI.

Coach Andrew McDonald revealed that while Green is currently unable to bowl due to recovery from back surgery, his batting position remains flexible. McDonald stated, "We are quite flexible in our approach to that," indicating that Green could bat anywhere in the top six, though he is expected to remain at No. 4.

The team is also debating whether to include an all-rounder in the lineup, depending on match conditions. This strategic flexibility reflects the importance of adapting to the pitch and opposition.

Green has shown promising form in county cricket, scoring three centuries in eight innings for Gloucestershire, but his recent Test form has been under scrutiny. Meanwhile, other players like Usman Khawaja are confirmed in the opening slots, with discussions ongoing about his partner.

The final selection will balance current form, fitness, and tactical needs as Australia aims to secure victory in the Ultimate Test.

Key quotes:
"While Green is unable to bowl in the World Test Championship Final as he continues to recover from back surgery..."
"We are quite flexible in our approach to that."

Stats:
- Green's WTC average: 28.33
- No centuries in last 29 Test innings
- Three centuries in eight innings for Gloucestershire
- Labuschagne's first-class average opening: 34.84 with two centuries
Sources: ICCEspncricinfo
Australia is deliberating Cameron Green's place in the playing XI for the ICC World Test Championship Final, despite his 28.33 average in the current cycle. Coach Andrew McDonald is flexible on batting positions, with Green recovering from back surgery and unable to bowl in the final against South Africa.
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The Headline

McDonald weighs flexible batting order and Green's form for WTC final

It depends on the conditions and that will then shuffle batting positions. We are quite flexible in our approach to that.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald
ICC
Key Facts
  • Cameron Green is unable to bowl in the ICC World Test Championship Final as he continues to recover from back surgery.ICC
  • Australia coach Andrew McDonald is still deciding the playing XI for the WTC Final, weighing batting order flexibility and the selection of an all-rounder.ICC
  • Usman Khawaja is confirmed as one opener, but the partner at the top of the order remains undecided ahead of the WTC Final.ICC
  • McDonald confirmed Cameron Green will bat at No. 4 but can slot anywhere in the top six depending on conditions.EspncricinfoICC
  • Cameron Green has not scored a century in his last 29 Test innings and averages just 28.33 across this WTC cycle.Espncricinfo
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of Test innings without a century by Cameron Green
29 innings
Espncricinfo
Cameron Green's batting average across the WTC cycle
28.33 average
Espncricinfo
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Background Context

Green's county form and Labuschagne's opening experience

Key Facts
  • Cameron Green has scored three centuries in eight innings for Gloucestershire, showing strong form in county cricket.Espncricinfo
  • Marnus Labuschagne has opened 15 times in first-class cricket, averaging 34.84 with two centuries, including one for Glamorgan in May 2024.Espncricinfo
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of centuries scored by Cameron Green for Gloucestershire
3 centuries
Espncricinfo
Number of innings played by Cameron Green for Gloucestershire
8 innings
Espncricinfo
Number of times Marnus Labuschagne has opened in first-class cricket
15 times
Espncricinfo
Marnus Labuschagne's batting average as an opener in first-class cricket
34.84 average
Espncricinfo
Number of centuries scored by Marnus Labuschagne as an opener
2 centuries
Espncricinfo
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