Cameron Green has defied the doubters after scoring his first century at No.4.
The all-rounder was the only batter to move past a half-century for Australia against New Zealand, hitting his second Test ton in the final over of the day.
“What a sensational knock this has been, Cam Green take a bow,” commentator Scotty Stevenson said on TVNZ+.
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Green came into the first Test after struggling for form in his first two appearances at No.4 against the West Indies.
Former Australian cricketer Brendon Julian suggested Green had gone some way to allay concerns around his future in the order.
“Plenty of question marks, is he good enough, can he get it done?,” Julian said.
“And he walks up and gets it done at the Basin Reserve. What an innings there at the Basin Reserve.
“… It was a great dig right through the whole day … I loved the way he came out too, he was really decisive with his footwork, very positive … when you see him play like that that’s when you know he’s watching the ball really well.”
The Black Caps won the toss at The Basin Reserve and elected to bowl, first breaking through at 1-61 when Steve Smith was dismissed for 31.
Australia then collapsed to be 4-89 with Green at the crease at 2-65 when Marnus Labuschagne went for one.
Green and Mitch Marsh combined for a 67-run partnership, before Marsh skied a pull shot for 40.
Marsh’s 40 was the closest any other batter got to a half-century with Australia’s tail struggling.
Green went into the last over of the day on 91 not out with number 11 Josh Hazlewood at the other end. The all-rounder hit two fours from the first three balls. He then hit another boundary off the fifth ball to bring up his second Test hundred.
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The Aussies finished the day 9-279 with Matt Henry the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-43.
Post-match, a humble Green simply said it was all about getting the team out of a tricky position.
“Obviously it feels really good but I think mainly for where we are with the team,” he told TVNZ+.
“It was a pretty tough wicket out there and I feel like the boys played pretty well. It’s just one of those days and I think someone just needed to bat through and I’m glad it was me.”
