13,289 runs, 292 wickets in Test: Jacques Kallis has put up insane numbers in Test cricket to become the best seam-bowling all-rounder ever. But who’s next? While many banked on Ben Stokes to become the next Kallis, the England Test captain is miles away. But Australian spinner Nathan Lyon believes Cameron Green has what it takes to emulate the South African legend after promotion to No 4 as a batter following Steve Smith’s decision to open.
“I actually enjoy seeing him bat at number four and I feel like he could be the next Jacques Kallis of international cricket at number four,” Nathan Lyon was quoted by The West Australian.
Is Cameron Green the next Kallis?
At 24, Cameron Green has played 25 Tests, scoring 1089 runs at 33.00 average. He has also bagged 31 wickets. While he is a lightyear behind Jacques Kallis, he has the age in his side to perhaps reach there, provided he does not suffer long-term injuries.
“There is so much confidence in that change room around all the guys and not just Smithy batting at No.1 and Cameron at number four. I have had the challenge of bowling to Greeny in Shield cricket with him batting at No.4 and he has given me a lot of headaches,” Nathan Lyon added.
But to go anywhere near Jacques Kallis, Cameron Green would have to put up extraordinary numbers. Kallis averaged 55.37 with the bat, scoring 45 centuries, only behind the great Sachin Tendulkar. Kallis also averaged 32 with the ball, scalping 292 wickets in 166 Tests. Can Cameron Green go anywhere near that?
So far, he hasn’t justified that in the AUS vs WI Test series since his promotion to No 4. Green hasn’t scored a half-century since his hundred in India last year.
