Cameron Green remains firmly in the minds of Australia’s selectors for– the T20 World Cup. With the upcoming IPL influencing how they put together the final squad ahead of the tournament in June. Green has been left out of the two T20I series against the West Indies and New Zealand to focus on red-ball preparation for the Tests against the latter. This will include a Sheffield Shield appearance for Western Australia against Tasmania next week, but he may still play in the World Cup.

Green’s IPL Update

He returned to the IPL in late March, having been traded from the Mumbai Indians to Royal Challengers Bangalore, and his performance there could still sway the selectors. “Yeah, very firmly,” national selector George Bailey replied when asked if Green was still in the running. “We are aware that he will play a significant amount of T20 cricket in the IPL. It’s a constant conversation with multi-format players, determining the priority at any given time and ensuring they get what they need, but he’s certainly one whose name, I believe, will be firmly in the mix as we finalize the World Cup squad of 15.

Green’s making his Way to the T20 World Cup

Green made his mark at the top of the order in T20Is shortly before the previous World Cup in 2022, scoring two rapid half-centuries against India. Josh Inglis, who had only appeared in one tournament game—the championship match against Afghanistan—was injured, and he was then added to Australia’s roster.

He did not play in any of Australia’s eight T20Is last year, with the emphasis being on Tests and ODIs. Green had a difficult 2023 across formats following his first IPL stint, struggling for runs in Tests before losing his place at the end of the Ashes and only playing a minor role in ODIs, including suffering a concussion against South Africa when he was earmarked for a run at No. 4.

As a result of the David Warner batting realignment, which saw Steven Smith shift to the opening position, he has since rejoined the Test team at No. 4. He made a top score of 42 in three innings against the West Indies, and he’ll get another chance in that position against New Zealand, with selectors willing to go the distance.

“There’s a skill set there that’s unbelievable across all three formats,” Bailey stated. “We have a great deal of confidence that if we just keep exposing him to things, he will improve and learn more about his game.

He further added: “But like any player, I don’t think it’s going to be a straight line – there’ll be fluctuations throughout, as there always is. His last two years have been a whirlwind, I imagine, at different times. He’s traveled with the team basically non-stop. It’s a challenge that all those players do go through, but I guess when you are younger and you get exposed to that, it can be tough. But I’m sure if you ask Cam he wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Player’s Benefited from IPL

As for Green, the IPL could play a part in who takes the final pace-bowling slot in the T20 World Cup squad although Nathan Ellis’ skills at the death currently have him at the head of the queue, meaning T20 player of the year Jason Behrendorff has a challenge to get in with Sean Abbott also likely to be squeezed out. Behrendorff is not traveling to New Zealand, but he will play against the West Indies. Ellis was scheduled to play in both, but he withdrew from the West Indies matches. He healed from a rib injury he suffered toward the end of the BBL. Ellis plays for the Punjab Kings in the IPL. Meanwhile, Behrendorff is signed with the Mumbai Indians. One of the high-profile acquisitions from the auction, Spencer Johnson, will play for the Gujarat Titans.