Cam Green would be happy to be Australia's Test opener

Australia all rounder and luxury Swiss watch brand Rado ambassador, Cameron Green, has expressed his willingness to bat in any position needed in Australia's Test side, as they embark on a packed 12 months of action.

Green has been a crucial part of Australia's Test side since he made his debut in 2020, and recently moved up the batting order to No.4. He scored a century in the position against New Zealand earlier this year in March, as well as taking three wickets in the series.

Speaking of the move in an interview with the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast, Green said: "There are about three or four guys who want to bat at four, that's just the nature of international cricket. Everyone growing up bats at the three or four slot for their whole career. It's only when you get to Australia level that you think, 'gee Steve Smith is a pretty good No.4, and so is Travis Head, Marnus could do it'. I played in that position for the whole of my domestic career, so that's the unfortunate nature of it. You have to fit everyone in and not everyone can bat at four."

Green's move up the batting order came after David Warner's retirement, following which Smith was promoted to the opener slot. Despite only crossing 30 twice in the eight innings in which he opened over Australia's summer, Smith scored an unbeaten 91 in his final innings against the West Indies, and could retain the position for their series against India later this year. If Smith was to move back down to four, that would leave Green out of a position, and potentially asked to open the batting, something he hasn't done in the format to date.

"We'll have to wait and see," said Green. "I think it's totally up to Steve [Smith]. He's earned the right to bat where he wants to bat and whatever happens, I'm happy to move around him. He's a great of the game, and he's earned the right to bat where he wants to bat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"You always want to put your hand up to play for Australia and I think opening would be a difficult one, but not something I would say no to. We'll have to see what the selectors decide to do, but at the same time I was open to do it six or nine months ago."

Another factor in the decision to move up the order for Green would be how it would affect his bowling. Green has taken 35 wickets across 28 Tests for Australia, including a five-wicket-haul against South Africa in 2022. 

"I've done it a couple of times for Australia in T20 cricket," said Green of opening the batting after bowling. "I think I bowled the 20th over in India and then had to open the batting, which was a pretty tough ask. That has to be a consideration. I know Shane Watson used to do it, and I'm not too sure if his overs went down when he decided to be an opener, but it's another discussion."

Alongside the cricket Green is set to play over the next few months, he also has a new role as an ambassador for luxury Swiss watch brand Rado, who are the Official Timing Partner of the England and Wales Cricket Board. Speaking on the partnership, Green said: "Rado has got a really rich history of Australian support, they sponsored Brett Lee in the past and obviously Ash Barty, hopefully I can continue the really strong name they've got in the world of watches and hopefully we can have a great partnership."

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