Night watchman Scott Boland was sent out to bat rather than Cameron Green last night. While it wasn’t a great four-ball innings, he did his job, protecting the more recognised batter for just long enough to bring an end to play with his wicket.
But this morning Green will have to face the music, and he’ll be reunited with the Paul Simon to his Art Garfunkel, both in terms of stature and, currently, individual ability.
Travis Head was destined for his first Test double century in the second match against the West Indies at Adelaide when it all came unstuck during a run with Green.
Out for 175, Head was clearly peeved at being robbed of the opportunity to reach 200, staring daggers at Green for what he perceived as an all-time barbecuing effort from the big all-rounder and moaning all the way off the ground.
Green went on two be dismissed for a dismal 9 off 42 as he continues his up-and-down start to his Test career.
His gully fielding is elite and his bowling is very handy back-up and physical relief for this powerful pace attack, but his batting has been a bit all over the place in his first 17 Tests.
Bearing in mind he’s still only 23 years old and very much at the start of his career, Green is averaging a serviceable 33.50 with the bat but he has head some really woeful digs. He typically starts badly (not unlike Head), which has seen him dismissed for less than 15 on nine occasions in his 23 Test innings.
Once he gets in he looks as good as anybody, which is why he also has five half-centuries and a high score of 84, although he is still waiting for his first trip to triple figures.
Let’s see what he, and Head, can do this morning.
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