Adam Gilchrist, a legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, predicts that Australia will start all-rounder Cameron Green at number six in the opening Test match against India on Thursday. The 23-year-old underwent surgery to repair a broken index finger on his right hand that occurred during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in December. He is still recovering from the procedure. Green’s inability to bowl at the moment has already been revealed by Australia coach Andrew McDonald.
“Such is the way of this psyche of the selectors and this team, I think they’ll start with Green at six, assuming he’s fully fit and not hindered by that finger injury at all,” Gilchrist told ‘Sen Radio’. “I think that’s the nature of this group, they’re pretty trusting of each other and really keen to back each other in every situation.” Green, who has played 18 Tests, has an average of 35.04 with the bat and impressed in the three innings in Sri Lanka last year. He has also taken 23 wickets with his seam bowling, with 5/27 as his best so far.
“The way he played in Sri Lanka, it almost looks like Green develops before our eyes every time he plays a game of cricket… I reckon the steps forward he took in Sri Lanka, they’ll be hoping he can keep that process going.” Australia will be without quicks Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood due to injuries in the opening Test, starting in Nagpur on Thursday. Scott Boland, who possesses a remarkable 12.21 average with the red ball in national colors, is anticipated to receive his first overseas Test because Green is unavailable to bowl. “If it’s Boland coming in, I think he’s going to be really well suited to the setup there with that nagging line attacking the stumps, he hits pads, he hits stumps with the right field and approach…” Gilchrist said.
Along with the captain, Pat Cummins, Boland will be the second fast-bowling option. “Between Cummins’ skills, Boland’s skill, Nathan Lyon and I suppose Lance Morris if they think they need another quick or another spin option (I think they will be all right).” Between Cummins’ skills, Boland’s skills, Nathan Lyon and I suppose Lance Morris’s if they think they need another quick or another spin option (I think they will be all right). Australia will suffer greatly without Starc in the first Test due to a finger injury, but India will also be without the services of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah and brash wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.