Bharat: Why Cam Green is the new Mitch Marsh

Bharat Sundaresan and Adam Collins have debated whether all-rounder Cam Green should be selected for the Fifth Ashes Test.

The 26-year-old's spot in the Australian Test side has certainly been a contentious one.

Being viewed as a generational talent and a key puzzle piece for the side’s future, there is a view of keeping Green in the side to allow him to develop in the international environment.

But with the Western Australian averaging 52.66 with the ball and 18.66 with the bat across the series, it’s raised doubt around his place, with some calling for Beau Webster to replace him.  

This would leave Sundaresan to compare Green with his fellow West Australian all-rounder, Mitch Marsh, due to the division between cricket fans about how both are viewed.

“I think Cam Green is the new Mitch Marsh of Australian cricket,” Sundaresan said on SEN.

“He has started dividing opinions like Mitch Marsh used to six years ago.

“I’m hearing both versions (of the argument), and I don’t know what the right answer is, like should he stay (or) should he go?

“They have stuck with Cam Green through four Test matches…I still feel he wasted that 45, both him and Marnus, that innings (first one in Brisbane), Marnus should have got a 100 from 65 (runs and) Green looked like he was right on top of the English bowlers before they started going short.

“Those were significant moments for both of them this summer.”

But despite the case for dropping him, Sundaresan believes Green will keep his spot for at least Sydney.

“And now that they have given him the No. 6 drop and the first two opportunities, he’s got were on a pitch which dominated in all the discussion around this Test match,” Sundaresan continued.

“I just think they will give him one more, that’s my gut feel.”

While Collins noted that his performances with the bat have left the door ajar for Webster to be recalled.

“There is no concern with what Cam Green can do with the ball,” he added.

“That’s an open and shut case. It’s the extent to which they needed a fifth bowler in the series.

“It’s the numbers with the bat. At home now, (he’s made) four half-centuries in 29 innings with an average of 28; he averages (24) against England.

“It’s a watch now, for sure, and Beau Webster has given himself every opportunity.”  

SEN will have LIVE coverage of the Fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which begins on January 4.

That will be available on the SEN app and its radio network.