Mitch Marsh and Cameron Green have plenty in common: big west Australians; hard-hitting middle-order batsmen; handy bowlers who deliver a “heavy” ball; and both made their debuts for Australia in their early 20s.
However, when it comes to whether both can squeeze into the same Australian Test XI, they have contrasting views.
“It’ll be myself or Cam that is playing,” Marsh, Australia’s incumbent No.6, told this masthead this year. “Unless I somehow become an opening batsman after ‘Bull’ [David Warner] is done, I don’t think that [two all-rounders] is going to be the case.
“Certainly in Australia, you want to pick your six best batters. This team is so settled now.”
Green, eight years Marsh’s junior, is more optimistic about the possibility of twin all-rounders.
“I definitely see ourselves playing in the same team,” Green said. “One of us could take the reins more as a bowler, or one could take it more as a batter. I think we have similar skill sets, but do it differently.”
Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh in Manchester in July during a rare appearance for two all-rounders in an Australian Test team.Credit: Getty
Few national sides generate more interest when it comes to selection than the Australian men’s Test team.
While Warner’s position at the top of the order has been the subject of fierce debate recently, it is the No.6 spot in the order that is up for grabs this summer.
Before three Tests against Pakistan and two against the West Indies, selectors are all but certain to go with either Marsh or Green at No.6 when they name the squad on Sunday.
Green, who has played 24 Tests in the three years since his debut, is undoubtedly the future, but Marsh has staked a strong case to stay in the side – for now at least.
Marsh’s century in the third Test against England at Leeds this year will live long in the memory as he hammered their fast bowlers in a phenomenal display of power hitting.
There was room for Marsh and Green in Australia’s fourth Test line-up at Old Trafford – the match finished in a draw after rain saved Australia – but not in the final clash of an enthralling series.
There is, however, an awkwardness about the whole situation, given the pair are good mates and Green grew up idolising Marsh’s flamboyant style.
“It’s a weird one when you’re both fighting for that same position,” Green said. “I looked up to Mitch my whole career. He’s 10 years in front of where I am in a way. I’m so happy for what he achieved over there [in England] and I have seen all the hard work he has done behind the scenes.
Mitch Marsh after scoring his century in the third Test. Credit: Reuters
“To watch that day where he scored that hundred in a session, it was the most ridiculous session I have ever seen. Watching his improvement is inspirational for me.”
When Green made his debut in 2020 against India, Marsh thought his days as a Test cricketer might have been over. Now, he is in no mood to give up his spot, but recognises the sensitivities around Green no longer being a walk-up start as the side’s all-rounder.
“It’s often hard to talk about because we have such a great relationship and friendship,” Marsh said. “There’s probably not a lot I can teach him on the cricket field because he has got so much talent and is a great learner. We both are vying for the same spot and I know whoever gets the nod, we’ll be supporting each other. We certainly won’t let cricket get in the way of our friendship.
“He’s got such a long career ahead of him, and he’s an exceptional talent. I’m certainly hopeful I’ll get another crack.”
Some of Australia’s greatest cricketers were dropped in their career; Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith and even Sir Donald Bradman carved out tremendous careers after early setbacks.
This week, Green made 96 for Western Australia at the Gabba. He has proven his value to Australia without ever nailing down the No.6 spot, but selectors know they will be able to call on him at any moment during the summer, should Marsh’s form wane.
However, Green is optimistic. He views Marsh’s return to the Test side as an opportunity for him to recalibrate and take his game to another level.
“There’s always disappointment when you miss out for the first time through selection,” Green said. “Not everyone is immune to that, and you’ve got to be dropped at some point.
“I try and look at it as a really positive thing. It’s a way to reflect and restart in a way. It gives you motivation to improve.”
There are hopes that Green – touted by Greg Chappell as the best young player since Ponting – will bloom into one of the great modern-day all-rounders.
Even Ponting believes Green may have to be patient.
“I think Cameron Green might just have to sit back and bide his time and wait for the opportunity to come back and get a truck load of runs in [Sheffield] Shield cricket and force his way back into the side,” Ponting told SEN Radio this week.
“It all sounds great in theory to get one of the most talked about and talented young all-rounders back in the side as soon as possible, but [it would] create some potential issues along the way as well.
“I personally would leave the batting order where it is, pick one of the specialist openers [when Warner retires after the SCG Test in January], and give them a crack. Unfortunately, that would mean Green would have to sit back and wait a while.”
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