Australia are set to consider unleashing uncapped prodigy Cameron Green when they pursue an ODI series victory over India at the SCG on Sunday.
The hosts crushed Virat Kohli’s side by 66 runs in Friday’s series opener, when Steve Smith and Aaron Finch both scored centuries in a total of 6-374.
The only sour note for coach Justin Langer, apart from a couple of dropped catches and a remarkably late finish to the match, was a side injury for Marcus Stoinis.
The all-rounder trudged off the field during his seventh over and never returned.
The incredibly short break between games in Sydney suggests the 31-year-old, even if cleared by scans, is in doubt for Sunday’s clash.
(Photo by Cameron Spencer – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)
Australia, already unable to call on all-rounder Mitch Marsh because of his ankle injury, will likely promote Green, Moises Henriques or Sean Abbott.
Henriques boasts plenty of experience, while Abbott is in red-hot form with ball and bat.
But Green is the 21-year-old who has long been billed as the nation’s next great all-rounder.
The West Australian recently returned to bowling after a back stress fracture and on Friday continued his knack of making good first impressions on astute judges.
“I faced him for a couple of balls in the nets before the game and it’s the first time I’ve seen him bowl. He bowls a heavy ball,” Smith told reporters.
“He looks an impressive talent and if he gets an opportunity, hopefully he can take it with both hands.
“He’s started really well in the Shield season.
“I don’t know how Stoin is, fingers crossed he’s okay, but if he’s not then obviously someone has to come in.”
Former selector and Test skipper Greg Chappell has described Green as the best batting talent he has seen since Ricky Ponting.
Green made an eye-catching Sheffield Shield debut in 2017, impressing current selectors Langer and George Bailey.
Langer was coaching WA at the time, while Bailey was captaining Tasmania.
Meanwhile, Smith is hopeful his quickfire hundred is the start of something special this summer.
“The foundation had been set, so I could be quite aggressive. I picked my bowlers and where I wanted to hit them,” he said.
“It was nice to hit a few in the middle, spend a bit of time out there. Hopefully it holds me in good stead for the rest of the summer.”
U
Roar Rookie
Green isn’t a limited overs guy
Once Upon a Time on the Roar
Roar Guru
May as well give Green a game to see first hand what his temperament is like at international level.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Then you drop Stoinis. Easy pick.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Chuck Green in. Good timing. No way you’d rusk Stoinis 2 days after a side strain, even a mild one.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Stoinis should be in doubt even if he is fit.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I feel that we can't play both Stoinis and Maxwell. Both are hit and miss and both used as the fifth bowler (Finch, Labuschagne and Smith can cover this with Maxwell). Another batsman in the side with Maxwell at 5 or 5.
The Bush
Roar Guru
What are you talking about? It’d be invaluable experience that CA would want. Look at Labs transformation after half a season there...
Mitty94
Roar Rookie
Not the worst injury Stoinis hasnt done much in ODI's recently and the side could look alot stronger with a bowling allrounder at 7. Would make them stronger in the middle overs and they could do with a trickier type bowler in the mid to death overs. With Starc Cummins and Hazlewood they only look too one dimensional. Abbot has looked in good form recently and cameron green looks good although it's hard to see how his bowling will turn out with a new technique.
Paul
Roar Guru
What Australia can't afford to do is end up in the same boat as India in last nights game, having only 5 bowlers, especially if one of the bowlers has an off night. Remember too, we only lost 6 wickets making over 370, but didn't manage to get India out, even though more than a few guys gifted their wickets. I can only see Green playing if Langer & Finch are convinced he can get through all or most of 10 overs, exactly the same as they'd expect from Stoinis. If not, one of the New South Welshman should be chosen.
Marty
Roar Rookie
Depending on whether they want more batting or bowling you would think that either Abbott or Henriques would get the nod in at the SCG. Although it would be entertaining to watch the reaction if Green is picked, the cries of ‘WA favouritism’ would echo across the Nullarbor no doubt.
John Timothy
Guest
Stoinis really bowled well. Unfortunately failed with the bat. Let's hope he'll be back for the T20Is. Well, now Henriques or Green? Selectors need to make a tough call. PICK AND STICK. DON'T CHOP AND CHANGE.
Gee
Roar Rookie
Doubtful CA would let him play CC, don't drive a prototype Ferrari on a dirt track :\
Tom
Unfortunate for Stoinis, but he was just warming the spot until Mitch Marsh can return to the white ball side. May as well give Green a game even if it’s simply to make him eligible for county selection next season.