Cricket fans have turned on Australian star Cameron Green after a dismal performance with the bat, which came mere hours after he secured a monumental Indian Premier League contract.
Record-Breaking Deal Meets Instant Setback
The 26-year-old all-rounder was sold to the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering $4.17 million Australian dollars during the IPL auction. This deal for the 2026 season makes him the highest-paid overseas player in the tournament's history, surpassing the previous record set by compatriot Mitchell Starc in 2024.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. In Australia's first innings of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, Green was dismissed for a second-ball duck. This immediate failure after the life-changing news sparked a wave of criticism from supporters globally.
Social Media Backlash and Selection Debate
Frustrated fans took to social media platform X to voice their discontent, with many questioning Green's place in the Test side and the value of his IPL deal.
"The pressure on Cameron Green is already visible. How will his form remain till IPL? He might be troubling Kolkata now," one fan commented.
A significant point of contention was the comparison to fellow all-rounder Beau Webster. Critics argued that Webster, who is fifth on Australia's domestic runs list this year, deserves an opportunity.
"Beau Webster is a much better batter than Cameron Green on any given day," one user stated, while another added, "Webster 5th on the runs list for Aus this year. Somehow Cam Green continues to get games."
Scrutiny on Form and Future
The backlash was not confined to fans. Controversial AFL commentator Kane Cornes also took a swipe at Green's lucrative deal, sarcastically suggesting it should come with "a money back guarantee."
The statistics add weight to the concerns. In 26 Test innings played on home soil in Australia, Green averages just 26, a figure that places his position in the team under intense scrutiny.
The match in Adelaide also saw other significant team news. Captain Pat Cummins returned from injury, but vice-captain Steve Smith was ruled out. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon was recalled to the side.
Australia currently leads the Ashes series 2-0, maintaining a formidable home record against England, who haven't won a Test match Down Under since 2011.
