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Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has backed all-rounder Cameron Green amid huge expectations from him in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the most expensive overseas player in the league's history. McDonald feels that there are tall expectations from all-rounders to contribute in every aspect of the game.
"There's huge expectation within the IPL, and there's huge expectation with any all-rounder that shapes an Australian team. It's not unfair, but there is an expectation around all-rounders that they contribute in a certain way," McDonald said on SEN Radio.
The statement comes after Cricket Australia (CA) responded to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Ajinkya Rahane saying he doesn't know why Green isn't allowed to bowl yet. The Australian cricket board had said that the franchise was made 'fully aware' of the fast-bowling all-rounder's niggle which will take 10-12 days to recover.
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While McDonald believes Green will only get better in the future, he also said that there is a need to balance all three formats’ expectations.
"It's almost like they want them to average 45 with the bat and average less than 30 with the ball. And there's been very few that do that. I'm sure that his career will trend upwards," McDonald said.
"We know he's good enough. He's just got to balance out all those expectations, and in particular, playing all three formats, which is a significant challenge for any cricketer," he added.
McDonald also backed Green after a poor run with the bat in the Ashes 2025-26 followed by ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Will Cameron Green be replaced?
Roped in for Rs 25.20 crore, Green contributed with a 10-ball 18 cameo against Mumbai Indians (MI). If he isn’t fit to bowl, KKR also have other batting options among overseas recruits, including Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert and Rovman Powell. New Zealand's Ravindra will also give bowling option as he can bowl left-arm spin. KKR are scheduled to lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on April 2 for which the team management will have to take a call.
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