Green, the only player under 30 in Australia’s 13-man squad, has played 37 Tests since his debut in 2020. During that time, he has batted everywhere from No.3 to No.7, with his position often changing according to team balance and circumstances.
McDonald believes Green’s performances have sometimes been judged without enough context, particularly given the difficult batting conditions Australia have faced.
“We believe Cam Green is a very, very skilled player, and sometimes his performances have been taken a little bit out of context.”
The coach also pointed to Green’s versatility, saying his movement through the order has reflected both his form and the needs of the team.
“He’s been one that’s been at No.3, No.4, No.5, No.6, No.7 across the journey, and that’s probably been a reflection around his form and where he’s at and fitting around others.”
Green showed signs of his batting quality with a century in a domestic match in Sydney in March. However, his recent international performances have come under scrutiny following an underwhelming T20 World Cup and IPL campaign.
McDonald made it clear that batting remains the priority for Green if he is selected among Australia’s top seven, with his bowling offering an added dimension.
“I think any all-rounder that’s positioned within the top six or seven batters, batting is the primary focus and bowling becomes an additional area where they can impact.”
For McDonald, there is no predetermined role for Green beyond what he can contribute to the team.
“Ultimately, the conversation, when we do land that final XI coming into the first Test against Bangladesh, will be making sure we shore up the runs. That would be ideal, but performance will guide us and dictate a lot of that.”
Australia will begin the two-Test series against Bangladesh in Darwin on August 13.
