One player is banging down the door, the other simply doesn’t deserve to be dropped.
But the Australian selectors will be forced to leave one out in nine day’s time when the international Test summer begins.
Cameron Green’s impressive ton against an Indian touring XI on Monday makes the line-ball call between he and Matthew Wade for the number six spot an increasingly difficult one.
A low score from Green might have edged the selectors towards the incumbent, but 114 not out at Drummoyne Oval arguably squares the ledger.
Either way they settle, it’s sure to be a source of contention.
While Green’s four Sheffield Shield tons to date have been outstanding, Monday’s knock raised the bar again.
From a fired-up Umesh Yadav to the subtle variations of Ravichandran Ashwin, the 21-year-old absorbed a heavy batch of pressure early, before flourishing later.
On 20, Green punched Yadav for a back-foot drive that, because of his height, few other players could play.
Later that over, though, he was dropped from a regulation chance at slip and on 78 a sharper chance behind the stumps.
All centurions experience degrees of luck, but it was notable how quickly Green reassessed and steered his innings back on track.
“What stands out is that temperament and composure. He just seems like he belongs,” Australia A coach Matthew Mott said at the close of play.
When Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin emerged as the next Test for Green, he used his feet — as he does incongruously well for a man of his stature.
Cameron Green of Western Australia (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
He saved some of his best strokes for when two of the most important eyes in Australian cricket were just 22 yards away, putting on 104 with Tim Paine.
“For a young player to come in and show that sort of composure, having spoken to Tim up there, he just said he was all over it and was really enjoying the contest, was very clear on his plans and what he was trying to do,” Mott added.
Green’s innings followed a day one performance where he finished with figures of 0-9 off 8 overs against Test-quality batting.
When combined with his innings on Monday, the West Australian’s upside is considerable.
Combining his age, talent and apparent ability to fill the all-rounder role Australian cricket has so craved, the public push for his selection before the day-night Adelaide Test will now be considerable.
But Green can, theoretically, only take one of two positions; that being number five or six in the batting line-up.
It appears unlikely, though, that the Australian selectors would drop Travis Head at number five.
Head’s position as captain in this tour match further highlights the Australian hierarchy’s investment in his prospects.
He has also made two 150-plus scores in his last four Shield innings.
The left-hander would, however, want to avoid another poor dismissal like on Monday, where he threw his hands at a wide one from Mohammed Siraj, chopping on with just four balls until the long break.
“On the stroke of lunch, the skipper should be shouldering arms there without question,” Kerry O’Keeffe summed up in commentary.
Nevertheless, Head’s position does not appear to be on the line.
That leaves just Wade, whose position too shouldn’t be in question given the admirable way he’s performed in the baggy green of late and a more-than-solid solid recent Shield record.
Matthew Wade (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
While not a factor in his Test credentials per se, his entertaining half-century as Australian skipper on Sunday night showcased his ability to step up when needed.
But for the first time in years, the Australian selectors may have to drop a player who objectively does not deserved to be squeezed out.
Yet the question is this: When the player thrusting himself into the equation is a potentially generational talent, is it reckless to not play him?
One to ponder.
Over to you Trevor, George and Justin.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
He may well be but at least he walked off and first concussion but it was a big hit and not sure if his fingers broke the impact of the ball on his head
Micko
Roar Rookie
Green might be in trouble now. :unhappy:
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Or worse archer at lords , was there when he peppered smith and labuschagne he made wagner look like a boy scout in terms of pace
bowledover
Roar Rookie
I literally logged in to say the same thing. Wade has "form" behind him at the moment.... and per other articles, there are real concerns over Harris, Burns and Pucovski seems to be out of contention (which is a shame).
HR
Roar Rookie
I think Marnus is constantly thinking about his batting, so that won't change too much :stoked:
Tanmoy K.
Guest
With the injury of Warner, poor form of Burns and concussion tendencies of Pukovski, why not try Wade as an opener and play Green at No.6 in the first Test at Adelaide as a trial?
Simoc
Guest
So I'de be opening with Wade and Harris (or Pucovski if fit) with Green at 6. I just think its important to get these young guys in against the best team in the world. If Wade and Green score centuries goodness knows but Wade earn't his selection on merit and Green & Pucovski have as well. Burns by contrast has done zilch this season. But since there is a space available give Green a shot.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
This much by 22yo?
Gee
Roar Rookie
Langer got hit in the head a fair bit.
Cricket fan
Roar Rookie
Interesting call, glad I'm not a selector right now
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
I agree but I would rather try an opener and he fail as opposed to moving a natural number 3 (or other bat) and he fail. Burns has been opening for some time so I don't see him as being "makeshift" but his form is poor. Pucovski has made a few runs as an opener of late so he probably qualifies in that position as well :stoked:. Maddinson is not Test standard! I do have a soft spot for Weatherald from the Redbacks (but I am a South Aussie so I may be a bit biased).
jameswm
Roar Guru
Wade has really held us together in some of these games, but it's white ball cricket. Head has done pretty well in his test career and doesn't deserve to be dropped. If you want someone banging down the door, Green is smashing it off its hinges. 3 into 2 doesn't go, unfortunately. Someone has to miss out. For mine, Green is a must at no.6, and it's between the other 2 for no.5. Wade is a gritty fighter. Head has more talent but after doing the hard work has a tendency of finding ways to get out. Last 3-test series against NZ he had a 50, a ton and a failure - 213 @ 43. Wade scored 119 @ 30. Opener has bigger issues - Warner injured, Pucovski a sure thing if not for the concussions, and Burns in terrible form.
Micko
Roar Rookie
The problem is so many candidates are makeshift openers anyway; Burns, Pucovski, Maddinson etc.
Pedro The Fisherman
Roar Rookie
I prefer the old adage of "never moving a winner" or "don't rob Peter to pay Paul"! Use a proper opener to replace Warner.
dungerBob
Roar Rookie
Ahh, right. Of course. Thanks.
Jero
Roar Rookie
That's the XI I would pick. I'm not optimistic about Pucovksi being available. It's best to keep things simple, it's only an interim decision after all. Look what happened when Langer replaced Slater as opener at The Oval in 2001, I'm sure that's not lost on him.
PeteB
Roar Rookie
Makes sense to me. At this stage Burns is a certainty to fail.
Pierro
Roar Rookie
James the solution is simple pick the form batsman as the openers are out of form . Im sure Sydney pink ball warm up may reward an opener but I’m not convinced . For me Harris (or pucovski if not concussed) Labuschagne Smith Head Wade Green Paine Cummins Hazelwood Starc Lyon If everyone is hving a wettyover Marnus opening them elevate wade up there but marnus opened well In england as did smith In effect as openers were out early all the time . Moreover last year In Adelaide against medicocre opp burns made four and labuschagne came in effectively opening and made 164. Opposition Is better but we get the bonus of more depth with green and ten of his overs if need be with ball . Wades technique was suspect early on in England until he got going , he can fish against good red ball bowling so tend to lean towards him staying down order but to green in I’d accept elevating him
Pierro
Roar Rookie
Smith at 3 we can deepen the batting .
Pierro
Roar Rookie
I can live with wade going up the order but I really think he’s better down it with red ball due to his flawed technique and ability to pump some runs on the board if he survives a while. I’d still prefer marnus to open with harris or pucovski depending on whether he makes concussion . Of course it’s not ideal but we had no choice in the ashes and got punished there picking two out of form openers over and over , it cost us . We have no choice but to take some risks with the order I adelaide as burns is gone for me . Suppose they will choose any opener that plays well in the pink ball aus a india March but I’m hoping it’s only one of pucovski or harris let alone burns . Hoepfully warner is back for melbourne in Sydney to revert the structure . This is a great opportunity for green to get a game on merit now .