Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has earned an unwanted place in cricket history by replicating a rare and unfortunate record during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The moment came as Australia faced South Africa in the high-stakes finale of the championship, drawing the attention of cricket fans and analysts worldwide.
In what was expected to be a defining match of his career, Green ended up in the record books for all the wrong reasons. His extremely brief stay at the crease in both innings has placed him on a list of top-order batsmen who have recorded the shortest combined time at the crease in a single Test match since 1990 while batting at the pivotal number three position.
World Test Championship Final 2025: A High-Stakes Clash at Lord’s
The World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa is being played at the historic Lord’s cricket ground, often referred to as the “Home of Cricket.” The atmosphere was charged as both teams entered the final with strong squads and a hunger to claim Test cricket’s most prestigious title.
While Australia fielded a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging stars like Cameron Green, South Africa relied on their formidable pace attack and a resilient middle order. Cricket enthusiasts around the globe tuned in, expecting a battle of equals.
However, amid the thrilling moments and strategic brilliance, Cameron Green’s performance—or lack thereof—caught the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Cameron Green’s Batting Collapse: A Rare and Unwanted Feat
Cameron Green, who was surprisingly promoted to bat at number 3, managed to face only 5 balls across both innings of the match. In each innings, he was dismissed without making any significant contribution to the scoreboard, thereby earning a place in an unwanted statistical record in modern Test history.
This marks the second time since 1990 that a batsman playing at number three has had such a brief and unproductive stint at the crease across both innings of a Test match.
His performance mirrored the unfortunate batting collapses previously experienced by players like Babar Azam, Ollie Pope of England, and Mominul Haque of Bangladesh—each of whom has faced similarly brief and unsuccessful stints while batting in the same critical position.
Understanding the Significance of Batting at Number 3 in Test Cricket
The number 3 batting position in Test cricket is often considered one of the most challenging and important spots in the batting order. This player typically walks in after the fall of the first wicket, often early in an innings when the ball is still new and conditions may favor the bowlers.
A strong number three batsman is expected to anchor the innings, absorb pressure, and build long partnerships. Legendary batsmen such as Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, Kumar Sangakkara, and Hashim Amla have flourished in this role, showcasing the skill and temperament required.
Therefore, when a player like Cameron Green fails to live up to the demands of this position, it becomes a point of statistical and strategic discussion among cricket pundits.
Babar Azam’s Similar Experience: A Flashback
One of the notable names in this unwanted list is former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who once had a similar outing in a Test match where he batted at number three. Despite being one of the finest contemporary batsmen with an impressive average and stylish technique, Babar too endured a match where he faced only a handful of balls across two innings and failed to leave a mark.
The comparison between Green and Babar underlines that even elite players can occasionally fall victim to adverse conditions, brilliant bowling, or a temporary lapse in form.
Ollie Pope and Mominul Haque: Others on the List
Besides Babar Azam and now Cameron Green, Ollie Pope of England and Mominul Haque of Bangladesh have also found themselves in similar situations. Both batsmen are considered key members of their respective Test sides, known for their flair and ability to score under pressure.
However, in isolated instances, they too failed to handle the rigors of batting at number three, reinforcing the idea that consistency at this position is extremely difficult to maintain, even for top-order talents.
Statistical Rarity: How Often Does This Happen?
In the modern era of Test cricket, such incidents are rare, especially considering the rise in batting averages and improved player fitness. Since 1990, only a handful of instances have been recorded where a number three batsman faced 5 or fewer deliveries in both innings of a match and got out each time.
Cameron Green’s inclusion in this list is a statistical anomaly given his usually reliable performances in the middle order and his all-round contributions to the Australian team.
What Went Wrong for Cameron Green?
While specific match footage and ball-by-ball data would offer deeper insights, early analysis suggests that Green may have been caught off-guard by the South African pace attack, which has been exceptional throughout the Test series.
Factors contributing to his dismissals could include:
- Early movement off the pitch and through the air.
- Poor shot selection under pressure.
- Lack of preparation for the number 3 role.
- Psychological pressure in a championship final.
It is worth noting that Green typically bats in the middle-lower order, and the shift to number three may have disrupted his rhythm.
Reaction from Cricket Fans and Experts
Fans on social media were quick to pick up on Cameron Green’s misfortune, with many expressing disappointment while others defended him, citing the difficulty of the number three position.
Twitter Reactions
“Cameron Green’s promotion to number 3 backfires! Unfortunate, but it happens. The pressure of a final can get to anyone.” — @CricketDownUnder
“Babar Azam has company now in the unwanted record list. Green will bounce back!” — @StatsGuruCricket
Expert Commentary
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting commented during the post-match discussion:
“Green is a talented cricketer. This game shouldn’t define him. But yes, batting at number three is a whole different challenge. Maybe the team management will reassess this decision going forward.”
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Cameron Green?
Despite this record, it would be premature to pass judgment on Cameron Green’s capabilities. He remains a key asset in the Australian team, offering balance as an all-rounder who can contribute both with bat and ball.
Team selectors and coaching staff may need to reconsider whether number three is the right position for him or if he should return to his usual spot lower in the order, where he has proven more effective.
Conclusion: A Brief Setback in a Promising Career
While Cameron Green’s inclusion in the list of batsmen with the shortest stint at number three in a Test match is certainly disappointing, it is merely a statistical footnote in what is still a blossoming career. Players like Babar Azam, Ollie Pope, and Mominul Haque have gone on to achieve greater milestones despite similar hiccups.
As the World Test Championship Final 2025 continues to unfold, fans and analysts will look beyond this moment and focus on how Cameron Green responds in future matches—a true test of any professional athlete’s resilience.
