With just one step away from the T20 World Cup 2024, All-rounder Cameron Green was confident that he would perform his duties according to the expectations of Australia. This self-assurance had grown through hard work earned in a high-octane atmosphere of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he recently completed an exceptional stint with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
He made crucial contributions for RCB as they stormed into playoffs with scores of 37, 1, 46, 32,38* and 27. While mainly holding positions between No.4 and No.6 in the batting order, Green showed his adaptability by playing at No.3 in the final match following Will Jacks’ unavailability.
Neil McKenzie, RCB’s batting coach, has played a crucial role in improving Green’s batting skills and confidence.
“I think that’s the beauty of what I’ve been exposed to in the last few years, there’s never been a really consistent spot to really lock in but at the same time I’m pretty thankful for that,” said Green during a press conference on Tuesday. “Feels like I can jump in at many different roles, [I] think that’s where I see myself this tournament, maybe plugging holes in the team. It’s a pretty good team to get into. Wherever I got told I’m playing [I] think I’ve got a bit of confidence and an idea of where to bat anyway,” he said.
As T20 World Cup loomed large Green knew it wouldn’t be easy making it into starting XI. The Australian strategy is fluid enough to accommodate up to eight batsmen if conditions permit.
Green’s bowling will be vital under these circumstances; as his IPL experience taught him how to handle pressure which is evident in his economy rate being below nine runs per over.
Australia had carefully managed such stages for this player after demanding 2023. The transition from the IPL to the Test tour of England presented challenges, which resulted in him being absent from Test cricket temporarily.
However, he was once again selected for the series against West Indies after retiring David Warner. Instead of playing T20Is against New Zealand, selectors asked him to concentrate on Sheffield Shield cricket and this was justified by his great unbeaten knock of 174 in Wellington.
“You always move from a Test tour into a T20, a T20 into a Test tour so it’s pretty extreme but that’s the beauty of the IPL this year is you actually got some unbelievable practice leading into this.
Prioritising one kind of event over another is a difficult art to learn. Following the T20 series against New Zealand, we had an IPL; therefore, they decided to keep red-ball cricket for that summer. However, that would change from time to time,” he said.
