Green focused on red ball cricket with Western Australia before the New Zealand Test series. His preparation paid off with a match-winning 174 not out in the Wellington opener. Looking ahead, McDonald suggests a similar approach for the upcoming five-Test series against India, possibly resting Green from scheduled ODIs and T20Is against Pakistan to prioritize red ball preparation. McDonald emphasized Green’s prowess in white-ball cricket but aims to prioritize his readiness for the next summer’s challenges.
I will not discount the importance of white-ball cricket; nonetheless, the impending summer Test series is far more significant. Considering Green’s successful results in Wellington, it’s likely he’ll approach us and request a couple of Sheffield Shield games before the first Test against India.
Australia secured a 172-run victory over the Black Caps at the Basin Reserve. This victory, which was Green’s second Test century, was almost exactly mirrored by his outstanding first-innings total. Australia scored 164 runs in the second innings, thanks in large part to a critical 34 from Green.
In Wellington, Green solidified his claim to the number four slot, previously held by Steve Smith. Smith now opens the batting with Usman Khawaja, succeeding David Warner, who retired from the format.
Green’s effort contrasts with that of his teammate Marnus Labuschagne, who had a difficult time in Wellington, scoring just three runs. Labuschagne, once a prolific century-scorer, has failed to surpass 10 runs in his last six test innings.
Looking ahead to the second and final New Zealand test in Christchurch, McDonald expressed no significant concern about Labuschagne’s form as long as the team collectively performs well.
We want the top six, seven batters to be performing as a collective,” he said.
“Can he perform better? No doubt about that. Does he know that? He knows that.
“Over time there’s going to be ebbs and flows in your career.
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