Ricky Ponting Evaluates Cameron Green's Progress in International Cricket
Ponting's Insights on Cameron Green's Career
Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, shared his thoughts on the current status of all-rounder Cameron Green in his international cricket journey. Despite Australia securing the Ashes series after the first three Tests, Green's performance has been below expectations, accumulating only 76 runs and taking two wickets across these matches, with limited opportunities to bowl.
Ponting pointed out that while Green is gaining experience, assessing his overall contribution to Test cricket remains difficult. He noted, "It's quite challenging to gauge him as an international player. His average in Australia is below 30, and his overall career average is just above 30. In around 30 Test matches, he has scored two centuries. After undergoing back surgery, his bowling speed seems to have diminished compared to a year ago."
Recognizing Green's Skills and Achievements
Since making his debut against India in Adelaide five years ago, Green has participated in 35 Tests, amassing 1,641 runs at an average nearing 33, alongside taking 37 wickets. Ponting emphasized that Green possesses a unique combination of skills that distinguishes him, highlighting moments that showcase his potential in the Baggy Green. He remarked, "There is a very complete package there if it all comes together. We've witnessed him deliver some remarkable innings, including an impressive century in New Zealand last year and another in India on a flat pitch."
Green's first Test century came in Ahmedabad, where he scored 114 under challenging circumstances against India. His best performance followed a year later in March 2024, when he achieved an unbeaten 174* in Wellington, leading Australia to a significant 172-run victory. Beyond individual achievements, Ponting underscored Green's importance in the Australian team environment, noting that consistency remains a crucial area for improvement.
Ponting's Advice: 'Keep it Simple'
Ponting remarked on the positive impact Green has on his teammates and coaching staff, stating, "They truly appreciate what he contributes to the group." He identified the primary challenge for Green as finding the right approach and style that suits him, emphasizing the need for commitment to that method over time.
He cautioned that Green's inclination to constantly seek solutions might complicate his game, offering straightforward advice: "He is known to be a deep thinker about his performance and often likes to make adjustments. My suggestion would be to keep things as simple as possible, focus on what has worked for him in domestic cricket, and apply that to Test matches consistently."