Cameron Green vies for spot in T20 World Cup squad, IPL 2024 to decide fate

Cameron Green remains on the radar of Australia's selectors for the T20 World Cup in June, with his upcoming stint in the Indian Premier League potentially influencing his inclusion in the final squad for the June tournament. Despite missing the upcoming T20I series against West Indies and New Zealand to prioritize red-ball preparation for the Test series against New Zealand, Green's path to the World Cup hasn't been closed off.

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George Bailey, Australia's chief selector, confirmed that Green remains in contention and his performances in the IPL, where he'll play for Royal Challengers Bangalore after being traded from Mumbai Indians, will be closely monitored. 

"Yeah, very firmly. We know he's going to go to the IPL and get a big batch of T20 cricket in. It's a constant conversation with multi-format players, working out the priority at any given time, and making sure they get what they need but he's certainly one whose name I think, as we are finalising that 15 for the World Cup, will be firmly in the mix," Bailey said.

Green's absence from the upcoming T20Is is part of a planned workload management strategy, allowing him to focus on preparing for the Test series. He will return to competitive cricket next week with a Sheffield Shield appearance for Western Australia against Tasmania.

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Ellis vs Behrendorff for the last pacer's slot!

The battle for the final pace bowler slot in Australia's T20 World Cup squad also intensifies, with Jason Behrendorff and Nathan Ellis emerging as front-runners.

Behrendorff's consistent form over the past year has caught selectors' attention. His ability to swing the ball and maintain pressure throughout the innings makes him a valuable asset. Ellis, on the other hand, boasts exceptional death-bowling skills, crucial for closing out tight matches. As such, during the upcoming IPL season presents a crucial opportunity for them to stake their claim for World Cup selection.

While speaking about the race for the final spot, Bailey acknowledged the varying skills that Ellis and Behrendorff offer and said that their performances in the remaining T20Is and the IPL will be closely monitored. 

"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," he said.