Australia have started planning for the 2027 ODI World Cup by preparing Cameron Green for an expanded role in the team. Following Glenn Maxwell’s retirement from one-day internationals, the Australian management wants Green to become a more versatile all-round option across different batting positions.
Head coach Andrew McDonald said the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan and Bangladesh will help the team test Green in multiple roles as Australia reshapes its white-ball combinations.
Green set for flexible batting role
Green has mostly batted in the top order in recent ODI matches, but Australia are now exploring whether he can also perform as a middle-order finisher. The role was previously handled by Maxwell, whose aggressive batting and off-spin bowling gave Australia important balance in the format.
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McDonald believes Green has the skills to adapt according to match situations. Apart from his batting, the team management also values his ability to contribute with the ball as a reliable fifth bowling option.
As Cameron Green gets set to add another challenge to his "incredibly complex" role, Australian coach Andrew McDonald questions whether the cricket-loving fraternity asks too much of certain players.
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) May 25, 2026
After 37 Tests, Green sits well behind the legendary allrounders like Kallis… pic.twitter.com/nOFQ57OSFg
Australia see Green as a key player for the future because of his all-round abilities and flexibility. The coaching staff wants to give him more responsibility ahead of the 2027 World Cup campaign.
Australia begin transition phase
Australia will play three ODIs in Pakistan before travelling to Bangladesh for another three-match series beginning on May 30. The matches are expected to serve as a testing phase for several players as selectors finalise long-term plans.
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The team will be without senior fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood for the Pakistan series due to workload management. However, McDonald made it clear that the experienced pace trio remains central to Australia’s plans for the next World Cup.
Australia are also monitoring other white-ball options, including hard-hitting batter Tim David, although he is currently unavailable for ODI cricket.
With Maxwell gone from the format, Australia are entering a transition period, and Green appears set to become one of the team’s most important players in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup.
