‘Pre-determined rubbish’: Green under fire as Australia’s batting frailties laid bare at MCG

2 months ago 16

The MCG pitch sparked debate on day two, but Australia’s batting is under just as much scrutiny, with former Test batsman Simon Katich labelling Cameron Green’s latest dismissal “predetermined rubbish”.

Australia were bowled out for 152 and 132 by 2pm (AEDT) on day two of the Boxing Day Test, losing 20 wickets in 79.5 overs. Not since 1928, against England in Brisbane, have Australia been bowled out twice in a Test in fewer overs.

After failing to build on their advantage, the hosts slumped to 3-34 before a brief rally to 7-143 with Green and Steve Smith together. But Green’s exit for 17 – he has not passed 45 in six innings this series – triggered a collapse of 3-9, leaving the door open for England to chase their first Test win in Australia since 2011.

Green’s place in the XI has been under heavy scrutiny and pressure will intensify after another lean return and a dismissal in which he lunged forward at a wide and short Ben Stokes delivery, rather than playing the ball on its merit.

“It’s predetermined rubbish,” Katich said on Channel Seven. “Watch the ball and play it instinctively off the track.

“I know what they’re trying to do, they’re trying to put the bowler off that good length, but you are making a decision before you even know what length the ball is being bowled.”

Beau Webster is building momentum for a Test recall given Green’s tally of 109 runs at 21.8 this series.

“I feel for him,” said Kayo Sports commentator David Warner of Green. “He’s been up and down the order like a yo-yo trying to find his spot and allowing other people to come in. I think he’s definitely got the game to bat there. Long term, probably number four.

“Once he finds that position, when Steve [Smith] decides to go, I think that’s probably his opportunity. I would actually like to see him bat five or six.”

Green is not the only batter in the firing line. Opener Jake Weatherald is averaging 20.85 from his first four Tests after being bowled by Stokes shouldering arms. The 31-year-old, who made a promising score of 72 in Brisbane, has 74 runs from his other seven innings.

Jake Weatherald is bowled by Ben Stokes.

He is expected to be retained for the fifth Test in Sydney but needs a score to solidify his place before Australia face Bangladesh in Tests in August.

“Jake’s [issue] is a little bit of a technical thing. He falls over a little bit,” Warner said. “He’s going to have to analyse the way that he’s been getting out. When you’re at Test level, they work you out fast. It’s working out how you can be nice and sharp.

“You’ve got to assess the shot selection, not so much the dismissals. Technique on this [pitch] is tough.”

Travis Head (437 runs at 54.62) and Alex Carey (291 runs at 48.5) have been Australia’s most dependable figures with the bat, well ahead of Marnus Labuschagne (174 runs at 24.85).

Labuschagne, who edged Josh Tongue to Joe Root at slip, has not made a Test century since July 2023, while Usman Khawaja was caught hooking for a duck ahead of what could be his farewell Test at the SCG next week.

“You’d hope Marnus can turn it around and bat at No.3 for the next five years,” Warner said.