Matthew Hayden calls for Cameron Green to be ODI World Cup opener

Pat Cummins-led Australia have been struggling quite a lot at the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023. Having played three games in the tournament so far, the side has only managed to win one and lost the other two. Finding themselves at the wrong end of the points table, desperate to get their mojo back, the side will be keen on making some changes that could help them find their form back.

Former Australian batter Matthew Hayden came forward to suggest the changes. Touching upon a variety of topics, Hayden opined that pairing Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in the batting order together is not working for the Men in Yellow.

"I don't think it does; I don't think they'll change things either. To me, they have got a front anchor out and a back anchor out, and the innings go nowhere because they are both well and truly stable,” Hayden told ESPNcricinfo.

"It's fine to have one stabiliser; I think it's really important to have a mind like Steve Smith at the top of the order when you start to set totals or chase totals; you need that computer mind, but when you have two of them in a row I think it creates pressure through the top six so I'd make a change there,” he added.

Give him a licence, Cam Green at the top: Hayden

Furthermore, Hayden also talked of star all-rounder Cameron Green. The 51-year-old opined that Green could be given a chance as an opening batter for Australia. Providing the example of the all-rounder’s time in Mumbai Indians, Hayden was of the opinion that letting Green open could give him much-needed freedom.

"Give him a licence, Cam Green at the top; to me, he's a kid who hasn't necessarily found his tempo in any format of the game, but what we saw here during the IPL is that the Mumbai Indians just sent him out and said, kid, just smash it,” Hayden said.

"He's got huge levers and great scoring abilities. Not so good when it comes to playing spin through the middle, but by that stage, if he's smashed Pakistan for 70 or 80, he's done his job,” he added.