'Can't believe it': Aussie cricket stunned by 'heartbreaking' moment
A devastated Cameron Green walked from the field with his head in his hands on Thursday after falling agonisingly short of a double century in the Sheffield Shield.
Green’s epic innings came to an end on 197 when he was trapped in front by Sean Abbott in Western Australia’s clash with NSW.
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“He has been given out three short of a double century,” an exasperated Darren Parkin said in commentary.
“Cameron Green cannot believe it. After all this time.”
The cricket.com Twitter account described the scenes as “heartbreaking” as Green collapsed to his haunches after being given out.
He then walked off the field with his arms crossed and one hand on his face, clearly distraught that he’d gone so close to 200.
There were some suggestions he may have inside-edged the ball before it hit his pad.
He inside edged that
— TipBetPro (@TipBetPro) October 22, 2020
He hit it.... pic.twitter.com/RyGNANw8VD
— Brendan Foley (@brendansfoley) October 22, 2020
I reckon that going over regardless of whether he edged it or not.
— Shane Beaton (@shaneb31) October 22, 2020
The disappointment in getting out - even when he's made 197 - shows why he will be a very good player for Australia one day.
— Conrad Natoli (@Conrad_Natoli) October 22, 2020
Cameron Green in national selection frame
The 21-year-old may have missed out on the double ton but showed why he’s firmly in the national selection frame.
WA were all out for 534 shortly before lunch on the final day, with NSW losing an early wicket in response.
After their first innings of 6(dec)-443, Daniel Hughes (2) was caught by Cameron Bancroft at third slip from the bowling of Cameron Gannon.
While the match at Adelaide’s Gladys Elphick Park looks to be petering out to a draw, there’s plenty of interest in Green’s exploits.
Earmarked as a future Australian star, the all-rounder didn't bowl for much of 2019/20 and has yet to pick up the ball in a match this season because of stress fractures in his back.
While there are suggestions the 21-year-old - who averages 21.53 with the ball - will resume bowling next month, he’s mounting a solid case for national consideration as a batsman alone.
Alongside his 438-ball innings against NSW, Green scored 699 runs at 63.54 during the last Sheffield Shield season.
Abbott was the standout bowler for NSW with 6-89 while Test spinner Nathan Lyon (2-141) got a long, if not always fruitful, 47-over workout in his first match in seven months.
Lyon paid tribute to Green after Wednesday’s play.
“A long day is one way to sum it up,” Lyon said.
“I take my hat off to Cameron Green - very, very impressive. Very clear in his plans and plays slow bowling really well.
“It's really good to see - he is 21 and not flustered by anything.”
with AAP
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