Former Australian opener David Warner has expressed strong criticism over all-rounder Cameron Green's batting tactics during the second day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Warner labelled Green's approach as "baffling" and "ridiculous" after the tall batter was clean bowled by England's Brydon Carse.
The Costly Dismissal That Shifted Momentum
The incident occurred when Australia seemed comfortably placed at 291 for 3. Cameron Green, who was batting on 45 runs from 57 balls and nearing his eighth Test half-century, backed away anticipating a short ball from Brydon Carse. However, Carse cleverly bowled a yorker at the stumps, which Green, having moved too far away, could not reach and was bowled. In the same over, former captain Steve Smith was also dismissed, caught by Will Jacks near the boundary, reducing Australia to 292 for 5.
This double-wicket over proved to be a significant momentum shift. Australia ended the day at 378 for 6 in 73 overs, leading England's first innings total of 334 by 44 runs. The hosts had earlier gained a 1-0 series lead after winning the opening Test in Perth.
Warner's Blunt Assessment on Fox Cricket
Analysing the dismissal for Fox Cricket, David Warner did not mince his words. He questioned the logic behind Green's constant movement at the crease, especially given his physical stature.
"It’s baffling, you’re six-and-a-half foot tall, it’s ridiculous to keep moving around like that and playing white-ball style cricket," Warner stated. "But when you’re so far away from your stumps, if he does (bowl) at the stumps you’re not going to be able to reach it, which was his downfall. Every single ball, if you showed the bowler your back, anyone with half a brain would go at the stumps."
Former Australian batter Mark Waugh echoed the sentiment of a lost opportunity, suggesting the Australian team might have been "lulled into a false sense of security" at 291 for 3, leading to a relaxed approach that resulted in quick wickets.
Green's Journey and Vaughan's Praise
The dismissal came at a crucial time for the 26-year-old all-rounder, who has two Test centuries and seven half-centuries to his name and is currently ranked 16th in the ICC Test all-rounder rankings. Green's career has seen a recent challenge, having undergone back surgery in October last year. He resumed bowling in a Sheffield Shield match in August this year before earning his spot in the Ashes squad.
Interestingly, prior to his dismissal, Green had received high praise from former England captain Michael Vaughan. Vaughan advocated for Green to be a permanent fixture at the number five position, especially given his bowling responsibilities.
"I don't see him as a three, but he looks perfectly made to bat at five, particularly if he’s going to bowl overs as well," Vaughan said on Fox Cricket. "A bowling attack in its third or fourth spell, he’s destructive. He’s the perfect five." Green, who batted at number three during the West Indies tour, has been occupying the number five slot in this Ashes series.
As the match heads into the third day, Australia will aim to build a substantial lead with Alex Carey and the tail, while England will look to strike early and restrict the advantage. The session has set up an intriguing battle for control in the crucial Brisbane Test.
