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Green proves his Test worth in just 0.74 seconds

Cameron Green has taken a superb catch at gully to show why Australia's selectors were so desperate to get the allrounder back into the Test team.



It took Cameron Green 0.74 seconds to show why selectors were so desperate to get cricket's triple threat back in Australia's Test team.


Dropped during the Ashes and a contentious winner of the race to replace David Warner, Green produced a headline act with Australia's first wicket on Wednesday.


Pat Cummins did well to set up Tagenarine Chanderpaul, tying down the flamboyant West Indies opener with three balls that swung back at him.


Then came a fuller, wider one that swung away from the left-hander, who couldn't resist, flaying at the ball outside off stump.


It flew to Green at gully, with the tall allrounder getting both arms in the air and securing the ball in his right hand.


Broadcasters clocked the time from bat to Green's hand at a touch under three-quarters of a second.


It was the kind of catch only the game's elite fielders would have been able to turn into a chance, let alone grasp it cleanly.


But it's hardly the first time for Green, who averages more than one catch a Test.


In Seven's commentary, former coach Justin Langer suggested Green could be Australia's greatest ever gully fielder.


"I just can't remember anyone as consistently brilliant as Cameron Green in that position," Langer said. 


"We have seen him take them on both sides of his body, above his head and down low. He's an exceptional gully fieldsman."


Green's selection was always going to be controversial, criticised by those who believe Cameron Bancroft should have replaced Warner.


Bancroft's runs in the Sheffield Shield over the past 18 months have made a compelling case for a recall, as was the argument against disturbing the top order by moving Steve Smith to open to allow Green to bat at No.4.


But it's also understandable why selectors George Bailey, Tony Dodemaide and Andrew McDonald want Green in the team.


They believe he is in the best six batsmen in the country, pointing back to previous returns in Sheffield Shield at No.4 for Western Australia.


Then there is the 24-year-old's bowling.


While Mitch Marsh was the first allrounder to use the ball on Wednesday in Adelaide, Australia now have five genuine pace-bowling options in their team.


With that, there is a belief the frontline quicks will be able to play Tests together more often with fewer rests. 


But the real lure with Green is the knowledge that the West Australian is a generational talent who has to be fit into the Test side.


And in 0.74 seconds on Wednesday morning, Green reminded everyone why. 


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