As Australia gear up for the West Indies series in mid-January, the question of who will replace the retiring David Warner looms large. In this selection conundrum, former Australia allrounder Shane Watson has thrown a curveball by suggesting that Cameron Green could be the unexpected answer as a Test opener.
Watson, known for his versatile cricketing skills, believes that Green possesses all the necessary tools to succeed at the top of the order. The former Australian all-rounder believes that there was no reason why the youngster Green couldn't open and succeed for the national team. Hence, Watson backed Green and suggested the Australian think tank to give the youngster a golden opportunity in the rear future ahead.
"There's no question in my mind he can [open]. Australia needs to get Cameron Green into the team, and the opportunity that you've got right now is for him to open," he said in an Interview with ESPN Cricinfo.
The idea of Green as an opener was initially raised by Australia head coach Andrew McDonald back in November. McDonald had hinted at a potential reshuffling of the order, with Marnus Labuschagne moving up to open and Green slotting into the middle order. However, the reluctance of other players like Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh to change their positions has brought the prospect of Green opening the batting to the forefront.
Facing new balls at times or facing a second new ball, you're very well equipped to deal with brand new ball: Watson
Interestingly enough, Shane Watson draws parallels between Cameron Green's situation and his own experience during the 2009 Ashes. Facing a similar predicament, Watson successfully transitioned to opening and played the best cricket of his Test career over the next two years. He firmly believed that prior experience at the top of the order was not a prerequisite for success, citing examples of Simon Katich and Usman Khawaja, who flourished as openers despite starting 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 facing a second new ball, so you're very well equipped to be able to deal with a brand new ball opening the batting. We have seen it a number of times. Uzzy and Simon Katich are great examples," Watson explained. He emphasizes that success as an opener boils down to the right game plan and the mindset to capitalize on one's technical skills.
I had no fear from ball one: Watson
Green, predominantly a middle-order player, has shown promise in various formats. Watson acknowledges that Green's move to the top of the order could alleviate the pressure and nerves associated with waiting for long periods. Drawing from his own experience, Watson notes that opening the batting freed up his game, allowing him to play with intent and without fear from the very first ball.
"I started to bat in a way that I only ever dreamed of and this was all because I had no fear from ball one. I let go of all of that care and pressure that I had been putting on myself and just took the bowlers on from ball one in every format that I was batting in," he added.
However, Watson cautions that careful management of Green's bowling loads will be crucial. He points to his own experience, where Ricky Ponting ensured that bowling duties did not overly fatigue him when opening the batting. Green, who has never batted higher than No. 6 in Tests, might be faced with a new challenge, but Watson is optimistic about his ability to adapt.
As Australia's selectors weigh their options, the prospect of Cameron Green opening the innings adds an intriguing dimension to the team composition.
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