Green might win a T20 World Cup selection with IPL achievements.

Green made his impact at the top of the order in T20Is just before the last World Cup in 2022, scoring two quick half-centuries against India. When Josh Inglis was injured, he was called up to Australia’s team, however he only played once in the tournament, in the final against Afghanistan.

He did not play in any of Australia’s eight T20Is last year, as the attention was given to Tests and ODI. Green had a difficult 2023 across formats following his initial IPL stint, struggling for runs in Tests before losing his spot at the conclusion of the Ashes and only playing a minor role in ODIs, including sustaining a concussion against South Africa when he was designated for a run at No. 4.

He has now returned to the Test side in a new role at No. 4 as part of the post-David Warner batting upheaval, with Steven Smith moving to open. Three innings against the West Indies yielded a top score of 42, and he’ll get another shot in that position against New Zealand, with selectors willing to go the distance.

“There’s a skill set there that’s unbelievable across all three formats,” Bailey said. “[We’re] really confident that just continuing to expose him he’ll get better and better and learn more about his game.

“But like any player, I don’t think it’s going to be a straight line – there’ll be fluctuations throughout, as there always is. His last two years have been a whirlwind, I imagine, at different times. He’s travelled with the team basically non-stop.

“It’s a challenge that all those players do go through, but I guess when you are younger and you get exposed to that, it can be tough. But I’m sure if you ask Cam, he wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The IPL, like Green, could influence who takes the final pace-bowling spot in the T20 World Cup squad, though Nathan Ellis’ skills at the death currently put him at the top of the queue, meaning T20 player of the year Jason Behrendorff will face a challenge to get in, with Sean Abbott also likely to be squeezed out.

Behrendorff will face the West Indies but will not be part of New Zealand’s visit. Ellis was scheduled to play in both, but has been removed from the West Indies games while he recovers from a rib injury incurred late in the BBL. Behrendorff is signed with the Mumbai Indians for the IPL, while Ellis is with the Punjab Kings. Spencer Johnson, who was one of the big-money acquisitions at the auction, will play for the Gujarat Titans.

Behrendorff has improved his death bowling to the point that he was Australia’s second-most economical bowler in that phase last year, trailing only Ben Dwarshuis, who played just two games and conceded 8.51, while Ellis went for 10.90, despite sending down more than double the number of deliveries.

“It’s not necessarily who’s in front, it’s more the roles you are looking for them to fill,” Bailey said. “Working through the what ifs and what skillsets you want to prioritise if something happens to another player, where you’ve got cover and what you need to make sure you have access to.

“Nathan’s skills at the death are fantastic, think we have some great new-ball bowlers there. Can’t fault the work that Jason Behrendorff’s done over the past 12-18 months and his ability to add to his game…the ability to be able to now bowl through the middle and at the death is really impressive so he’s another one who is really putting their hand up.

“Again, it’s just trying to get that balance of how we can get some information through these next six games and which guys will be getting an opportunity in India in the IPL which we’ll obviously be watching really closely.”