Australian cricketing great Ian Healy has rejected the view that if Cameron Green isn’t able to bowl at his best during the Ashes, he should be in the firing line to miss out on the Test XI.
Green was removed from the ODI squad that took on India as he dealt with a side strain, and while he is expected to return in a batting capacity to the Sheffield Shield against South Australia on Tuesday, it remains unclear if he will bowl.
The selection squeeze is on, with Jake Weatherald and Matt Renshaw likely leading the race over incumbent Sam Konstas to open alongside Usman Khawaja.
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Cameron Green bowls for Western Australia. Getty
Marnus Labuschagne’s incredible form likely has him locked in, potentially resulting in a like-for-like battle between Green and all-rounder Beau Webster, who would naturally have the inside running if Green can’t bowl.
However, Healy believes both could fit in the same top six, with Green to maintain his place at No.3, which would potentially force Labuschagne up the order to open the batting alongside Khawaja.
Healy has full faith in Labuschagne’s return to form and believes he can take on the role as opener.
“Matthew Hayden came on our show and said Marnus cannot open, and I disagreed with him, I said ‘no, no his technique is right back’,” Healy told SEN.
“Last year, I wouldn’t have had him in the team because he was nicking everything, he wasn’t moving his feet, he wasn’t watching the ball – it’s all back. He’s looking so convincing that he can bat anywhere.
“I think it’s just a bit harsh on Green. He’s the one newbie that’s made good strides with his batting. He held us together in the West Indies when it was very uneven.
“He was the one making 40s and 50s, we only needed 220 to have enough on the board, and he was the one doing it.
“A bit harsh I reckon. He’s worked hard on his technique, I’d like to see him in there, but they’ll know what they’re doing with this.
“That seems to be the case (Green and Webster can’t play together). But what that says to me is people are saying that Green is not up to batting at three.
“I’m saying he’s made great improvement and he’s worth sticking to because he’s the incumbent and here’s your next job, it’s to win an Ashes. Do your job or you’re out.
“He can stand up to that pressure and he’s made strides, so I don’t mind him staying and then Marnus, who is much more capable this year of the heavy lifting in the top three that has been missing, it can be get done with an in-form Usman Khawaja and Marnus opening and then Green at three.
“Then you let Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster and Alex Carey do much less than they’ve been asked to do in recent times.”
Marnus Labuschagne of the Queensland Bulls celebrates bringing up his century. Getty
These selection calls would also see Webster retain his spot in the XI at no.6, rewarding his form across 2025.
As far as how the selectors see it, Healy wonders whether Green’s spot in the XI does come down to whether he is able to play his role as an all-rounder.
“I’m sure it’s not as speculative within the four walls of the selectors. They’ve probably got a lot clearer ideas than we’re all speculating about and they’re letting that fly about. It’s very football, AFL or NRL, it’s like there’s a lot of selection instability, but inside there might not be,” Healy said.
“The big decision I’m looking forward to is: will Cameron Green play if he is not bowling? That doesn’t seem to be the case.
“It seems like he’s going to have to get it all back together before he gets back in there, and he might come back at No.6.
“I’ve been watching Marnus bat quite a lot this year so far, he’s definitely back. He can slot in anywhere I reckon, opener or three.
“And then in the opening conversation I guess that leaves Jake Weatherald and Matt Renshaw, so it could be quite simple.”
The Sheffield Shield resumes on Tuesday, with the likes of Weatherald, Renshaw, Green, Labuschagne, Webster and Konstas all receiving another chance to prove themselves ahead of the Ashes.