Former Australian international Kerry O’Keeffe has weighed in on the Cameron Green dilemma and believes the star all-rounder belongs higher up the batting order.
Green has gone on to play in 24 Tests since his debut three years ago but faces a fight for a spot in the team against fellow Western Australian product Mitchell Marsh.
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Marsh, a fellow all-rounder, reminded Australia of his talent with a stunning century in the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford earlier this year.
The duo share contrasting views in terms of both squeezing into the line-up, with Marsh believing only one can make it while Green feels there is room for the two, per the Sydney Morning Herald.
O’Keeffe believes Marsh will get the nod for the number six slot in the order, yet he feels there is a solution for the two to fit into the lineup that works for all parties.
And it’s all because Green has been forced to bat out of position.
“I’m probably going Mitch Marsh because I don’t think Cameron Green is a six,” O’Keeffe told SEN.
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“I think you have to be busy, you have to be flexible, you have to be able to bomb it over deep mid-wicket from the outset.
“Number six is a particular position, and Cameron Green is a four or upwards.
“His platform is laid by defence, getting into the right position and presenting the open face.”
AUSSIE LEGEND’S BIG PAKISTAN WARNING AFTER PERTH PITCH REVEAL
Former Australian international Kerry O’Keeffe has warned against the perils of underestimating Pakistan ahead of the upcoming Test series.
Australian fans are highly optimistic about the host nation’s hopes against Pakistan, especially since they have not won a single Test on Aussie soil against 1995.
Additionally, Pakistan has a new captain in Shan Masood who takes over the duties from superstar batter Babar Azam and won’t face many tougher challenges than a Test series in Australia.
Pakistan will also be without leg spinner Abrar Ahmed due to soreness in his leg sustained during their warm-up clash against the Prime Minister’s XI.
If that wasn’t enough of a factor conspiring against the visitors the pitch at Optus Stadium promises to be fast and bouncy, conditions which Australian coach Andrew McDonald believes could “expose” Pakistan.
However, O’Keeffe was quick to pump the brakes on thinking Pakistan will be easy beats.
“Oh, look, I am looking forward to the summer,” O’Keeffe told SEN.
“I just think the man in the street has gone too hard on our opponents Pakistan and the West Indies.
“Pakistan have got world class players, Abdullah Shafique, their opener, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and this newcomer Saud Shakeel, he’s a very good player in the middle order.
“They’re stronger than they were last time, and they have a big chance in the first match at Optus Stadium in Perth on a bouncy pitch.
“They can jump Australia there, watch out.”
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