Australian all-rounder Cameron Green is gearing up for a significant role in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he hopes to make a substantial impact with the ball. The 25-year-old, known for his ability to bowl at a brisk pace and hit consistent hard lengths, is eager to contribute to Australia’s campaign in the five-match Test series against India later this year.
“I’m very happy to contribute as much as I can. Physically, I’m in a really good place to be able to do that,” Green shared with cricket.com.au, emphasising his readiness for the challenge ahead.
Pat Cummins backs all-rounders for bigger roles
The series, set to be played over six weeks, will demand much from the players, both physically and mentally. Australian skipper Pat Cummins has already highlighted the importance of all-rounders like Green and Mitchell Marsh in the upcoming series.
“We’ll be drawing on Cam Green and Mitch Marsh a bit more,” Cummins told reporters in Sydney. He noted that Cameron Green, who began his career in Sheffield Shield as a bowler, hasn’t been required to bowl extensively in Test matches but could be called upon more frequently during this high-pressure series.
Tackling ‘Graveyard Overs’: Cameron Green
Green humorously refers to the overs between the 70th and 80th as “graveyard overs,” a period in the game where the ball typically does not offer much seam or swing. This phase often sees the main seamers being rested as captains turn to their all-rounders to maintain pressure until the new ball becomes available.
“We always laugh and joke between me and Mitch [Marsh] about who bowls those graveyard overs between the 70th and 80th overs when the ball is not doing anything. We’ll wait and see how we do it this summer,” Green remarked.
However, Green is confident in his ability to contribute during these crucial periods. “My body’s in a really good place where I feel like I can contribute with bowling. Down the track, it’s an option, but at the moment I’m very happy to be a genuine all-rounder,” he added.
Preparation and Focus for India vs Australia Test series
Having debuted against India in the 2020-21 home series, Green is no stranger to the intensity of facing the Indian team. He believes that the extended break from white-ball cricket leading up to the Test series will be beneficial.
“Having an extended break before a Test tour, it’s going to help for sure. I really enjoyed doing it last year and there’s potentially a chance to do it again this year,” Green noted.
As the Border-Gavaskar Trophy looms, Cameron Green’s all-round capabilities could prove to be a crucial asset for Australia, especially in a series that promises to be as demanding as it is fiercely contested.