Australia is facing the challenge of finding a suitable replacement for the retiring David Warner as the West Indies series approaches, and former all-rounder Shane Watson believes Cameron Green could be the answer, even as an opener.
In a departure from traditional thinking, Shane Watson asserts that Green’s lack of prior experience at the top of the order should not deter selectors. Watson suggests that Cameron Green possesses the necessary skills, run-scoring ability, and understanding to succeed as an opening batsman, despite having never batted higher than No. 6 in his 36 Test innings.
“There’s no question in my mind he can [open],” Watson told ESPNcricinfo. “Australia needs to get Cameron Green into the team and the opportunity that you’ve got right now is for him to open. They’ll just have to manage his bowling, for sure, like with my bowling when I was opening the batting. But he absolutely has got the skill, the run-scoring ability and the understanding to be able to make the most of being an opening batter for sure. It might take him a game or two just to be able to work out exactly what his game plan is. But he’s definitely got the game and the mentality to make the most of it.”
Shane Watson bullish over Cameron Green
Watson draws on his own experience of transitioning to an opener during the 2009 Ashes, emphasizing that prior experience at the top of the order is not a prerequisite for success. He cites examples of successful Australian openers, such as Simon Katich and Usman Khawaja, who adapted from middle-order positions.
The debate over Warner’s replacement has seen various options discussed, including reshuffling the order or selecting one of the primary Sheffield Shield openers, such as Cameron Bancroft, Marcus Harris, or Matt Renshaw. However, Watson believes Cameron Green inclusion as an opener could be a less disruptive option given the settled nature of the middle order.
Watson acknowledges the need to manage Green’s bowling loads carefully but contends that the talented all-rounder has the potential to make a significant impact at the top of the order. As Australia’s selectors weigh their options, the decision to embrace a dynamic player like Cameron Green as a Test opener could usher in a new era in Australian cricket.
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