Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has thrown his full support behind all-rounder Cameron Green, emphasising the team management’s long-term faith in the star all-rounder despite recent criticism over his performances and role. Green has come under fire following an underwhelming showing in the 2025–26 Ashes series against England, managing 171 runs at an average of 24.42 and picking up four wickets across five Tests. 

However, McDonald dismissed concerns about Green’s position, asserting that the young cricketer’s tremendous ability and domestic record justify continued backing. McDonald also pointed to Green’s strong first-class numbers. Meanwhile, recent developments have been quite dramatic, with Green finding himself at the centre of controversy during KKR's loss to MI in a high-scoring thriller on Sunday at Wankhede Stadium. 

Questions were raised after he did not bowl in the match, with KKR copping an early loss. Following the criticism, Cricket Australia clarified that Green’s bowling loads are being carefully managed due to a recent back injury.

“I think the answer to that is yes. I’ve got to talk to the selectors around that, there’s a couple of others on the panel. But if you looked at the last team, let's just take that, Usman [Khawaja] has retired, and he vacates the No. 5 position where he was opening and he went to five to finish off. But you’ve got Webster and Green that potentially can play in the same team, should we see it that way, so that gives us incredible flexibility," on SEN Radio.

"But I think he's [Green] good enough. Anyone that's averaging that at Shield level suggests that he's ahead of the pack there, and it's only a matter of time before it gets to a situation where he's performing for Australia. I think he's got a few things to work on around his game, but that's no different to anyone else."

McDonald maintained that there are huge expectations within the IPL.

“He has got some challenges. There’s huge expectation within the IPL, and there’s huge expectation with any all-rounder that shapes an Australian team. You only have to look a short time ago: Mitch Marsh's journey, and Shane Watson, and even Andrew Symonds at the start of his career. It’s not unfair, but there is an expectation around all-rounders that they contribute in a certain way,” McDonald said.

“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...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.