Australia’s head coach, Andrew McDonald has backed Cameron Green to play a key role in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s, despite the all-rounder not being available to bowl due to his ongoing recovery from back surgery. Green is expected to return to the XI purely as a batter, and his presence could spark significant changes in Australia’s batting order.
Green, 25, last featured in a Test match in March 2024, where he struck a sublime career-best 174 not out at No. 4 against New Zealand in Wellington. Since his recovery, he has made a strong impression for Gloucestershire in county cricket, scoring three centuries and an unbeaten 67 across eight innings — all from the No. 5 position.
“Cam could bat anywhere really — three, five, six, even open,” Andrew McDonald said during an interview on SEN Radio. “He’s got the temperament and skill set. The higher you go in the order, the more important your defensive game becomes, and he certainly has that base covered.”
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Green’s return brings both options and challenges for the selectors. Travis Head, who temporarily opened the batting during the Sri Lanka series, is set to return to his preferred No. 5 role. That opens a spot alongside Usman Khawaja at the top of the order. Australia has tried multiple partners for Khawaja in recent Tests — including Steve Smith, Sam Konstas, and Nathan McSweeney — but the position remains unsettled.
Beau Webster, who made a promising debut against India and followed it with solid performances in Sri Lanka, had been playing as an all-rounder at No. 6. However, McDonald clarified that Webster’s place is not guaranteed for the one-off final, as the team management is still weighing the need for a fifth bowling option based on conditions at Lord’s.
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“We’ve got an XI on the board,” Andrew McDonald explained, “but there are still a few names in different positions. It really depends on how the pitch shapes up and what balance we feel gives us the best chance. We’re not rushing it — the final decisions will come when they need to.”
