Legendary Australian batter and former captain Allan Border has called for Cameron Green to be left out of the playing XI for the first Test of the upcoming 2025–26 Ashes series. The series opener between Australia and England will be played at Optus Stadium, Perth, from November 21 to 25.
Cameron Green, who has represented Australia in 32 Tests so far, has scored 1,565 runs and taken 35 wickets in the longest format. But Border believes his technique isn’t suited for the crucial No. 3 batting position.
Border Questions Green’s Technique for No. 3 Role
Speaking to SEN, Border said he isn’t confident about Green’s ability to handle the No. 3 position.
“They want him to bat at No. 3, and I just don’t think his technique is suitable for that job. I just can’t see him batting at three,” Border said.
He backed Marnus Labuschagne to return at No. 3 and suggested Matt Renshaw as Usman Khawaja’s opening partner, with Beau Webster slotting in at No. 6 as an additional all-rounder.
Beau Webster Backed for No. 6 Spot
Border praised Beau Webster’s recent performances and emphasized his value as a handy seam-bowling option in Perth conditions.
“Webster has done nothing wrong since they picked him. That all-round ability, particularly going into Perth, you might need a bit of a backup to the quickies over there. I’d be locking him in at No. 6, and Green misses out in my first instance,” he added.
Renshaw Favored Over Konstas for Opening Slot
The former captain also made it clear that Usman Khawaja should remain a lock-in for the top order. For the other opening slot, he prefers Matt Renshaw, citing his consistency in both red and white-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, Border is not convinced by Sam Konstas, who opened in the last Test series against the West Indies but failed to make an impact.
“Sam Konstas – I’ve only ever seen him play a ramp shot. Can he cover drive or anything like that? I don’t know. We just haven’t seen it,” Border remarked.
Border’s Advice: “Shelve the Ramp Shot”
Border advised Konstas to play more conventionally to build a strong foundation in Test cricket.
“It’s a handy shot to have in the kit bag, but I’d be leaving it there for a while until I’ve got a few on the board first. I’d be saying, ‘Just shelve the ramp shot, give yourself a chance to get in and play conventionally.’ He’s good enough, from what I’m hearing, but I just haven’t seen it yet,” Border concluded.
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