As Australia prepares for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25, there’s considerable speculation surrounding Cameron Green‘s fitness and availability for the high-profile series. Green has become a key player in Australia’s Test lineup, particularly as an all-rounder capable of contributing with both bat and ball.
However, if Australia is forced to find a replacement, they have a few promising all-rounders who could step into his shoes.
Here are three all-rounders who could potentially replace Cameron Green in Australia’s squad for BGT 2024-25:
1. Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh has long been in and out of the Australian setup but remains one of the most experienced all-rounders in the country. With his ability to swing the ball at a lively pace and deliver explosive batting performances, Marsh offers an option for Australia if Green is unavailable.
Marsh had a stellar performance during the 2023 Ashes series, where he showcased his ability to bat in the middle order and contribute crucial runs under pressure. His aggressive style of play aligns well with Australia’s modern Test approach. As a bowler, Marsh can consistently hit the right lengths and move the ball off the seam, making him a handy option in Indian conditions, where reverse swing and disciplined bowling can turn the tide in a Test match.
Moreover, Marsh’s experience playing in India for various Indian Premier League (IPL) teams gives him an edge in adapting to subcontinental conditions. His familiarity with Indian pitches and crowd pressures makes him a viable candidate to replace Green.
2. Aaron Hardie
Aaron Hardie is an up-and-coming all-rounder who has been impressing at the domestic level for Western Australia. With a strong ability to bat in the lower middle order and bowl fast-medium pace, Hardie is seen as one of the most promising young talents in Australian cricket.
Hardie has been a consistent performer in the Sheffield Shield, where he averages in the mid-40s with the bat and has proven his capability as a seam bowler. His strong domestic form has led to calls for him to be included in the national squad, especially in longer formats where his temperament and skill set could shine.
At just 25 years old, Hardie has a long career ahead of him and could thrive in India’s challenging conditions. His ability to swing the ball and adapt his bowling to different surfaces could make him a valuable asset in the BGT series. While relatively inexperienced on the international stage, Hardie could be Australia’s long-term solution as a fast-bowling all-rounder if Cameron Green is unavailable.
3. Sean Abbott
Sean Abbott is another contender who could replace Green. Known for his aggressive bowling and lower-order hitting, Abbott has been a regular feature in Australia’s white-ball squads, but his red-ball credentials shouldn’t be underestimated.
Abbott has been a standout performer in the domestic arena, consistently picking up wickets while maintaining a good economy rate. His ability to bowl long spells and trouble batsmen with bounce and accuracy could be critical on India’s abrasive pitches. While his batting is not at the same level as Green or Marsh, Abbott can provide some handy runs down the order, which may be crucial in tight Test matches.
With his vast experience in limited-overs cricket and his success in Australia’s domestic circuit, Abbott could prove to be a useful replacement in the Test side, especially given his knack for adapting to different formats.
Australia’s depth in all-rounders means that even if Cameron Green is unavailable for the BGT 2024-25 series, the team has several solid replacements. Mitchell Marsh’s experience, Aaron Hardie’s potential, and Sean Abbott’s consistent domestic performances make them strong candidates to step into the all-rounder role and help Australia maintain a competitive edge against India.
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