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Green shows maturity with key Ashes runs

3 minute read

Australia's decision to back Cameron Green is paying increasing dividends, with the youngster scoring crucial Ashes runs on a day-one green top in Hobart.

CAMERON GREEN.
CAMERON GREEN. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

It didn't end with a maiden ton but Cameron Green's efforts on an Ashes green top in Hobart have earned plenty of praise.

The 22-year-old notched a valuable 74, his highest first-innings score in Test cricket, to help Australia out of a spot of bother at 4-83 on day one of the series finale against England.

He shared a 121-run stand with century maker Travis Head before being caught in the deep off a Mark Wood short ball early in Friday's final session in the day-night clash.

Green has proven a handful with the ball this series, picking up nine wickets at 15.44, and now appears to be finding his groove with the willow.

After a lean first three Tests, he has scored 74 in back-to-back innings.

"It's been the best Cameron Green has looked in the series," Mark Waugh said of the Blundstone Arena knock during commentary on Fox Cricket.

Green's runs, which included eight boundaries and a number of crunching drives, also drew praise from former England captain Michael Vaughan.

"His balance and alignment has been fantastic. He's going to dominate some Ashes series," Vaughan said.

Green averages more than 50 at first-class level and has eight Sheffield Shield centuries to his name, numbers Test teammate Usman Khawaja believes warrant his selection long-term.

The pair shared a vital 179-run stand on day four of the SCG Test which ended with the visitors hanging on for a thrilling draw.

"You don't get players like Cameron Green very often," Khawaja said last week.

"The selectors know that, and they see that you need to give this guy a bit of opportunity and time and for him to develop.

"Invest in these players at a young age - something I think we probably haven't done as well in the past, chopping and changing a lot - and you'll reap the rewards later down the track.

"You just need to invest. We saw with Steve Waugh, I think the same can be said about Cam Green."

Waugh only reached double figures twice in his first 11 Test innings but went on to amass 10,927 runs.

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