Australia Plots New Role for Cameron Green Post-Maxwell

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-05-25

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald is busy reshaping the ODI lineup after Glenn Maxwell's sudden retirement. The team needs to fill a massive gap before the 2027 World Cup, and all-rounder Cameron Green is at the center of those plans. Maxwell walked away from 50-over cricket in June 2025 after a legendary 13-year career. His body just couldn't keep up anymore. He noticed his fitness slipping during the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, and he felt he couldn't give his best as a fielder and batter over 50 overs. That's a tough call for any athlete, but it leaves Australia scrambling. ### The Impact of Maxwell's Exit Glenn Maxwell finished his ODI career with 149 matches and nearly 4,000 runs. That's a huge void to fill. His departure marks the end of an era, joining other retired stars like Steve Smith, David Warner, and Marcus Stoinis. Now, Australia has few experienced middle-order players left. So the team needs young talent like Cameron Green to step up. ### McDonald Backs Green for a Bigger Role Andrew McDonald remains a firm believer in Cameron Green, even after a tough period in international cricket. Green struggled during the last Ashes series, averaging just 24.42 with the bat. But McDonald points to Green's domestic form as proof he's ahead of the pack. Green holds an incredible average of over 53 in Sheffield Shield cricket. "There are a lot of good all-rounders who took time to settle in, like Mitchell Marsh and Shane Watson," McDonald said. The coach wants to give Green the security he needs to improve without worrying about his spot. He also wants to manage Green's workload so he can play all three formats. ### Exploring Tactical Options for 2027 The retirements have created openings in the batting order. McDonald specifically mentioned that Usman Khawaja's retirement vacates the number five position. That gives Australia incredible flexibility to move players around. One exciting option involves playing two all-rounders in the same team. McDonald suggested that Cameron Green and Beau Webster could both feature in the starting XI. Webster impressed selectors by scoring 71 not out and taking three wickets in his only Ashes appearance. - Tim David could slot in as a finisher, but he's not available right now - Ashton Turner and Matthew Short are also in the mix to fill Maxwell's shoes - David has a very high strike rate in short-form cricket, making him a strong candidate ### Managing Pressure and Expectations Cameron Green joined the Kolkata Knight Riders for a record-breaking fee of about $3.3 million. McDonald admits that fans often expect too much from all-rounders. People want them to perform in every game, but that's just not realistic. The key is to give Green time and space to develop. McDonald is confident that with the right support, Green can become a cornerstone of Australia's ODI team. The 2027 World Cup is still a couple of years away, and that gives the coaching staff plenty of time to experiment. They'll try different combinations, see what clicks, and build a lineup that can compete at the highest level. For now, the focus is on finding the right balance. Australia needs a finisher who can accelerate the scoring in the final overs, and they need a middle-order that can handle pressure. Green might not be the finished product yet, but McDonald believes he's on the right track. And with a bit of patience, he could become exactly what the team needs.