Australia back Cameron Green to come good as preparations intensify for Ashes dogfight

Following the conclusion of the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL), Australia star all-rounder Cameron Green joined his Australian teammates in the United Kingdom (UK) for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against India. The WTC final between Australia and India will kick off on June 7 at The Oval in London.

Green has had a fantastic campaign with the Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 16th edition of the IPL. The 23-year-old finished the season as MI's third-highest run-scorer with 452 runs from 16 games, including a century and two fifties at a strike rate of 160.28. Given Green's IPL form, Australia hope it will enhance rather than hurt the all-rounder's preparation for his first Test tour to the UK.

The Australians held their first major training session in Beckenham on Thursday, June 1, following a four-day stay in Formby near Liverpool. The youngster had a lengthy batting session on a lively training wicket provided at the Kent out-ground in southeast suburban London, despite joining the squad lately.

Green is doing work behind the camera to ensure his bowling loads are up and he is ready for Test cricket, according to Australia assistant coach Daniel Vettori. He noted that the Australian coaching team is optimistic about the 23-year-old's white-ball-heavy lead-up to the Test tour. 

"Any cricket is preparation now. He is doing work in the background to make sure his bowling loads are up and he is actually ready for Test cricket.

"We look at it like if you are involved in high-intensity, high-class cricket, we are happy with that as it means you are playing cricket. The hardest thing for guys is coming out of nothing, and that might be a challenge for a couple of guys who have had an extended break and how they get up to speed as quickly as possible," Vettori told reporters.

Green is a huge part of the side: Vettori

Vettori further said that Green has been playing a lot of cricket, and it's nice to have him back in the team. He also pointed out his IPL form, stating that it's fantastic that he's gained some confidence and that he's an important part of the team.

"With Cameron, I think he has been playing so much cricket, he will be fine. It's great to have him back. He offers so much to the team and had a great series in India for us and then is coming off the back of a successful IPL. It's great he's got some confidence … he's a huge part of the side," Vettori said of Green.