Despite underwhelming returns in the ongoing Ashes series, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has found strong backing from former cricketing greats Michael Hussey and Mark Waugh. Both legends have urged the national team management to show patience and persist with the talented 26-year-old, emphasizing his long-term potential for the Baggy Green.
Hussey Calls for Patience, Sees Learning Curve
Analysing Green's performance in the high-profile series, former batsman Michael Hussey acknowledged the tough run but framed it as a crucial learning phase. Green has scored 149 runs at an average of 21.28 and taken just four wickets at a high average of 60.75 across the five Tests. Speaking to Fox Sports, Hussey argued that this adversity would build the player's resilience.
"I think he'll actually really learn a lot from this series, learn a lot about himself as a person, learn a lot about himself about his game," Hussey said. He firmly added, "I think he's someone that has to be persisted with. He's someone that can bat in the top six. He can bowl high-quality overs." Hussey pointed to Australia's busy upcoming schedule, with about 20 Tests in the next two years, as the period where the team will reap the benefits of investing in Green now.
Waugh Compares Green with Webster, Highlights Unsettled Batting Order
The debate around Green's spot intensified with the selection of all-rounder Beau Webster, aged 32, for the fifth Test in Sydney. However, former captain Mark Waugh left no doubt about who he sees as the future. While praising Webster's contribution, Waugh unequivocally picked Green as the superior talent.
"He's a great talent. We know that. He's capable of getting a hundred and getting a 'five fa'," Waugh told Fox Sports. "If you're comparing Webster and Green, I'm taking Green over Webster. Although Webster's done well, I think Green's got more potential." Waugh did, however, note that Green must start converting his potential into consistent performances. He also highlighted that the unsettled batting order, especially after Usman Khawaja's departure, works in Green's favour, as there are already spots to fill without looking to replace him.
Green's Recent Form and Batting Position Debate
Cameron Green's struggle for runs isn't limited to the Ashes. In his last eight Tests before the Sydney match, he averaged only 21.82 with the bat, with just one half-century. His highest score in the current Ashes series is 45. His bowling, too, has lacked penetration, with no multi-wicket hauls in an innings this series.
His role in the team has also been fluid. He was tried at the number two position in the first three Ashes Tests before being moved down to seven and eight in Melbourne. He has also batted at number three in the past year. This sparked a discussion on his ideal spot, with former skipper Michael Clarke suggesting a fixed role at number six, with wicketkeeper Alex Carey at seven, drawing a parallel with the successful Adam Gilchrist model.
Despite the recent on-field challenges, Green's value in the global market remains sky-high, evidenced by his record-breaking IPL 2026 auction price of Rs 25.50 crore, paid by the Kolkata Knight Riders, making him the most expensive overseas player in the league's history.
Verdict: Back the Talent
The consensus among Australian cricket pundits is clear: Cameron Green is a rare, genuine all-rounder whose current form should not lead to his exclusion. The message to selectors is to look beyond the immediate statistics of the Ashes 2026 and invest in a player viewed as a cornerstone for Australia's Test future. The coming 20-Test cycle will be the ultimate test of this faith.
