Andrew McDonald backs all-rounder Cameron Green to keep place in test squad

Andrew McDonald in action
Andrew McDonald in actionReuters / Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has backed Cameron Green to remain part of ⁠the test squad, despite the all-rounder's lean Ashes series against England.

Green tallied 171 runs in five tests at an average ‌of 24.42 and took four wickets as Australia triumphed 4-1 against England earlier ‌this year.

Green, who made his test debut in 2020, ‌has played 37 matches with a batting average of 32.75, including ‌two centuries, and a bowling average of 38.94.

McDonald said ‌Green’s domestic record justified his continued selection with a first-class batting average of 45.52, which rises to 53.38 in the Sheffield Shield.

"I think he's ‌good enough," McDonald told SEN radio.

"Anyone that's ⁠averaging that at Shield ‌level suggests that he's ahead of the pack there, and it's only ​a matter of time before it gets to a situation where he's performing for Australia.

"I think he's got ​a few things to work on around his game, but that's no different to anyone else."

Green, 26, has also been ⁠in focus during his ​stint with Indian Premier League side Kolkata Knight Riders, with Cricket Australia managing his workload due to a lower back injury that has temporarily restricted his bowling.

"Cameron is currently rebuilding his ‌bowling loads in India with a view to return in around 10-12 days' time. KKR has been communicated with and is fully aware of this information," a CA spokesperson said on Monday.

McDonald said Green must learn to manage the expectations that come with being an Australian all-rounder, especially if he continued to play across formats.

"There's huge expectation within the IPL, and there's huge expectation with any all-rounder that shapes an Australian ‌team," he said.

"I'm sure that his career will trend upwards. ​He's just got to balance out all those expectations, ‌and in particular, playing all three formats, which is a significant challenge for any cricketer, let alone a player that's still learning."

Australia begin their test season in August with a two-match series against Bangladesh before touring South Africa ⁠in September for three ⁠one-day internationals and three tests.

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