Shane Watson comments on Cameron Green standing in for David Warner in Tests. Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson has thrown a surprise by endorsing Cameron Green as an unexpected Test opener.
The question of who will replace the retiring David Warner looms large as Australia prepares for the West Indies series in mid-January. Former Australia allrounder Shane Watson thrown a curveball into this selection debate by proposing that Cameron Green could be the surprising option as a Test opener.
Watson, famed for his varied cricketing abilities, believes Green has all the qualities he needs to succeed at the top of the order. Green, the former Australian all-rounder, says there is no reason why he cannot open and thrive for the national team. As a result, Watson backed Green and advise the Australian think tank to provide the child with a golden opportunity in the future.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that he can [open].” “Australia needs to get Cameron Green into the team, and the opportunity you have right now is for him to open,” he told ESPN Cricinfo.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald first mentioned Green as an opener back in November. McDonald had hinted at a possible order reshuffle. Marnus Labuschagne going up to open and Green sliding into the middle order. However, the unwillingness of other players such as Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh to switch positions push the notion of Green opening the batting to the forefront.
When faced with new balls or a second new ball, you’re quite well suited to cope with them: Watson
Shane Watson, interestingly, draws parallels between Cameron Green’s circumstances and his own experience during the 2009 Ashes. In a similar situation, Watson effectively switched to opening and went on to play the best Test cricket of his career over the next two years. He adamant that past experience at the top of the order not require for success. Citing Simon Katich and Usman Khawaja as examples of openers who succeed despite beginning their careers in the middle order.
“If you’re scoring runs even slightly lower down the order, you’re facing new balls at times. Whether you come in early or face a second new ball. So you’re well prepared to deal with a brand new ball opening the batting. ” We’ve seen it several times. “Uzzy and Simon Katich are excellent examples,” Watson said. He emphasizes that success as an opener is all about having the appropriate game plan. In place and having the mindset to capitalize on one’s technical abilities.
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I had no fear from ball one: Watson
Green, mostly a middle-order batsman, has shown promise in a variety of formats. Green’s promotion to the front of the order. According to Watson, may relieve the anxiety and nerves associated with long periods of waiting. Drawing on his personal experience, Watson says that opening the batting allowed him to play with intent and without fear from the first ball.
“I began to bat in ways I had only dream of, and it was all because I had no fear from ball one. ” “I let go of all of the care and pressure. I’d been putting on myself and just took the bowlers on from ball one in every format I was batting in. ” He continued.
Watson, on the other hand, warns that Green’s bowling workload must be carefully managed. He cites his own experience, in which Ricky Ponting ensured that bowling duties did not overburden him when batting first. Green, who has never batted higher than No. 6 in Tests, may have a new challenge, but Watson is confident in his adaptability.
The thought of Cameron Green beginning the innings adds an intriguing dimension to the team composition as Australia’s selectors assess their alternatives.
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