Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes struggling all-rounder Cameron Green will be spared the axe simply because those in charge are convinced he will eventually come good. The out-of-form West Australian made just 19 as Australia was bowled out for 132 in the second innings of the Boxing Day Ashes Test, caught in the slips wafting needlessly at a ball well outside his off-stump.
His dismissal was part of a calamitous day-two collapse which left the door open for England to record a drought-breaking four-wicket win at the MCG. Green’s embarrassing exit continues a horror run with the bat this series – 112 runs at an average of only 18.
And his bowling – presented as a big reason he was chosen ahead of Tasmania’s Beau Webster – has only produced three wickets across four games. After 36 Tests, the 25-year-old is averaging a modest 32 with the bat and 36 with the ball.
Ricky Ponting (L) can’t see selectors axing Cameron Green (R) for the fifth Ashes Test. Image: Getty
Ponting is a big Green fan but is starting to waver. However, he can’t see national selectors axing their “project player” for the New Year’s Sydney Test after persevering with him for so long.
“The whole word from the (Australian) camp has always been how good he is, how much they like him, what the complete package brings to the team,” Ponting said on Channel 7 on Saturday. “And it is a pretty complete package when you think about it…someone that can bowl nearly 140km an hour, catches everything that comes anywhere near the gully, and can bat 5, 6, 7.
“So, although he’s struggling, I just can’t see them making that change. I think they’ll stick with him (and) let him try and work it out at this level because we know what will happen. He’ll go back to domestic cricket and dominate that but not learn anything about his game.”
Cameron Green is averaging just 18 in the Ashes. (Photo by William WEST / AFP via Getty Images)
Cricket fans call for change after Aussie loss in fourth Test
While the Australians may not have given up on Green, the majority of fans certainly have. They are calling for the reliable Webster to make his first appearance of the summer at Green’s expense.
“The so-called ‘generational talent’ Cameron Green is being picked purely because of his age factor,” one fan wrote on X. “With the bat, he’s basically another Tim Paine. Dropping Webster to accommodate him is a baffling call from the selectors.”
Another added: “Hard to understand why Webster was dropped after the Windies tour. Green makes dumb decisions. Should have gone after Adelaide.”
The Sydney Test gets underway on January 4, with Australia 3-1 up in the series.