Australian cricket icons Ian Healy and Mark Taylor have thrown down the gauntlet, declaring rising star Cameron Green shouldn't feature in the Ashes squad unless he's fully fit to bowl.
The bold stance comes as selectors face mounting pressure to make tough calls ahead of the highly anticipated Test series against England.
All-rounder or nothing
Both former Test captains argue that Green's value lies in his dual-threat capability. "If he's not fit to bowl, I wouldn't play him," Taylor stated bluntly, emphasising that Australia would be effectively playing a batsman short if Green couldn't contribute with the ball.
Healy echoed these sentiments, pointing out that Green's bowling provides crucial balance to the Australian attack. "He gives our frontline bowlers a break and creates different angles that trouble batsmen," the legendary wicketkeeper explained.
Selection headache brewing
The debate intensifies as Australia contemplates its best XI for the opening Test. With several players managing niggling injuries, selectors must weigh up:
- Whether to risk Green if he's not at 100% bowling capacity
- The impact on team balance without a genuine all-rounder
- Alternative options if Green is ruled out
- The long-term development of Australia's most promising talent
Future captaincy potential
Both legends acknowledged Green's enormous potential, with Taylor even suggesting the Western Australian could eventually captain Australia. However, they maintained that his current role as a genuine all-rounder remains non-negotiable for Test selection.
"He's shown he can change games with both bat and ball," Healy noted. "But we need that full package, especially in an Ashes series where every advantage counts."
The cricket world now waits anxiously as Australia's selection panel faces one of their toughest decisions ahead of the iconic Ashes battle.
