After being elevated to No. 3 following his return from injury, Australia all-rounder Cameron Green’s batting struggles continued in the opening Test against West Indies in Barbados.
In the World Test Championship 2025 final against South Africa, Green returned to Australia’s Test side after a nearly one-year hiatus due to a back injury, having last played in the format in March 2024. This prompted a reshuffle in the batting order, with Green taking the No. 3 spot and the now-dropped Marnus Labuschagne moving up to open alongside Usman Khawaja. It marked Green’s first time batting that high in the order, having previously played most of his Tests (20) at No. 6.
However, Green’s return didn’t go as hoped, as he failed in both innings, scoring just four and a duck, in Australia’s five-wicket loss. On both occasions, Kagiso Rabada lured him forward, forcing him to edge to the slips.
Green's struggles continue
Green, touted as a star for the future when he made his Test debut in 2020, is still finding his feet in the format, averaging 33.30 with the bat. With a new WTC cycle and series underway, Australia continued with him in the new role, as Cummins backed him as a long-term option, assuring he would be given an extended run at No.3.
However, Green’s struggles persisted in the first Test against the West Indies in Barbados. In the first innings, he fell for just three, edging Shamar Joseph to the slips in a manner reminiscent of his earlier dismissals, as Australia collapsed to 180 all out.
Despite Australia bowling out West Indies for a mere 10-run lead, Green’s fortunes failed to improve in the second innings. He faced 47 deliveries, his longest innings since his comeback, but was eventually caught in the slips off Justin Greaves. This time, the dismissal didn’t result from a forward defence, like his previous three failures, but from an attempted cut shot. Australia ended day two at 92-4.
1st Test, West Indies vs Australia
vs
- Ball by ball Over
Before his Test recall, Green had been in red-hot form, scoring three centuries in five County Championship matches for Gloucestershire. That purple patch earned him a spot in Australia’s squad for the WTC final, but so far, he has struggled to replicate that success at Test level.
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
