McDonald backs Green's Test credentials ahead of Bangladesh series

Cameron Green remains the only player under age 30 among the 13 selected for Australia's two-Test series against Bangladesh, which begins in Darwin on August 13. The all-rounder has featured in 37 Test appearances since his debut in 2020 and has occupied multiple batting positions throughout his international career. Green's role and positioning have become a focal point of discussion as Australia prepares for the opening match of the series.

Australia's selector Andrew McDonald has addressed questions about Green's recent performances and his standing within the Test squad. McDonald acknowledged that Green has batted at positions ranging from No.3 through to No.7 across his Test career, reflecting the various circumstances and team requirements he has faced.

"We believe Cam Green is a very, very skilled player, and we believe, sometimes, his performances have been taken a little bit out of context. “He’s been contributing to this team, as have a lot of that top seven, in conditions that haven’t been favourable to batters. “He’s been one that’s been (used at) No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6, No.7 across the journey, and that’s probably been a reflection around his form and where he’s at and fitting around others," McDonald said as quoted by The West Australian.

Green demonstrated his batting capability when he scored a century in a domestic match in Sydney during March. However, his recent international performances have drawn scrutiny, including a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign and an underwhelming Indian Premier League stint after becoming the competition's most expensive overseas player.

McDonald indicated that Green is the prime candidate to fill Australia's vacant No.5 batting position against Bangladesh. The selector stressed that batting will be the primary focus for any all-rounder positioned in the top six or seven of the order, with bowling becoming a secondary consideration.

"I think any all-rounder that’s positioned within the top six or seven batters, batting is the primary focus and bowling becomes an additional (area) where they can impact," McDonald said.

"It’d be a nice luxury, you’ve got plenty of overs available and plenty of options with the ball, but ultimately, the conversation, when we do land that final XI coming into the first Test against Bangladesh, will be making sure we shore up the runs. That would be ideal, but performance will guide us and dictate a lot of that," he concluded.