Marnus Labuschagne facing fresh pressure after unlikely Cameron Green development

Yahoo

04-02-2025

Cameron Green is making a late push to play for Australia in the Test Championship Final with Marnus Labuschagne and Beau Webster facing pressure to hold their position in the XI. Green missed the 3-1 India series victory after going down injured with a troublesome back problem ahead of the summer.
The allrounder has struggled with his back throughout his young career and underwent surgery on his lower spine. Green was expected to miss six months of action and rest up so he could prepare for the Ashes this November. The 25-year-old did make an appearance at the Allan Border on Monday and picked up the Community Impact Award.
And in a surprise bid, Green is looking to play County Cricket in England to build match fitness so he can put himself in the frame to play the ICC Test Championship Final in June. This is big news for the Australians with Green living up to the hype around his talent before his injury.
Green averaged more than 50 last summer having moved up to the No.4 position in place of Steve Smith. Unfortunately, Green's push to return for the final against South Africa spells trouble for Labuschagne and Webster.
Labuschagne is facing pressure to remain in the starting XI after a lean run of form. The No.3 batter averaged 25.8 at home against India and once again flopped in the first innings against Sri Lanka. While there were question marks on whether the 30-year-old would play the second Test in Galle, Labuscahgne appears a certainty to line-up.
Although fans are questioning whether Green's return could spell the end of Labuschagne with selectors already axing Mitchell Marsh this summer for a poor run of form. While Labuschagne is currently under the most pressure to score runs, the other player who could face the brutal call is recent. additions Webster.
The pressure is building on Marnus Labuschagne with the selectors not happy with his returns.With Green closing in, his spot is now under threat, can be replaced any time.
— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) February 4, 2025
Aussie fans were thrilled for Webster after his Test debut at the SCG against India with the allrounder producing a vital 57 in the first innings. He then followed this up with a 37 not out in the second innings to secure a brilliant debut for Australia.
Webster scored 23 runs in the first innings against Sri Lanka and appeared a certainty to line-up for Australia against South Africa in June. Although Green's emergence could place his position in some doubt. Webster's ability to bowl overs and bat in the middle order should be deemed vital for the Aussie line-up.
The towering allrounder replaced Marsh in the middle order and offers flexibility. And Green is unlikely to come back and bowl. Webster should be considered a lock for the June Test, but if Australia feel they don't need a fifth bowling option in English conditions, Webster could make way for Green. Although this would be a brutal blow for the 31-year-old allrounder who only just made his mark in the team.
Cameron Green is back on the field as he continues his recovery from a serious back injury. #CameronGreen #CricketAustralia #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/z4ikZX8J6e
— InsideSport (@InsideSportIND) January 8, 2025
The pressure is building on Marnus Labuschagne with the selectors not happy with his returns.With Green closing in, his spot is now under threat, can be replaced any time.
— Cricket Addictor (@AddictorCricket) February 4, 2025
Ahead of the Sri Lanka tour, chief selector George Bailey suggested he was ready for Green to return as a specialist batter ahead of the South Africa showdown. 'Very hopeful that he'll be available as a batsman for the World Test Championship final,' he said.
Green was dropped for Marsh during the 2023 Ashes series having struggled to find form at No.6. However, he returned to the side back in Australia having taken Smith's position at No.4 in the order after David Warner's retirement. His latest setback was a blow to his momentum, but many feel the 25-year-old will slot right back in to the starting side. Green last played for Australia in an ODI against England on September 24.