‘World-class’ Green an Ashes game-changer, says Ponting

Cameron Green has offered up the first demonstration of his all-round brilliance on English soil, with Ricky Ponting hailing him the “great package” who could help swing the Ashes Australia’s way.

First, though, the West Australian giant, not out on seven overnight, is ready to inspire his side to become world Test champions after a day at The Oval when he grabbed a key wicket, took a blinding catch that may not be bettered the entire English summer and played the shot of the final.

Asked if the 24-year-old Green could be the Ashes game-changer with bat and ball, in the manner of a Ben Stokes or Andrew Flintoff, that Australia had also been long searching for, former skipper Ponting responded: “He definitely can be. 

“He’s got the makings of a world-class allrounder and the thing about him is he’s still learning, he’s nowhere near the finished product yet.”