Cameron Green joins unwanted Test list featuring Babar Azam during WTC final

Cameron Green joined an unfortunate group of batters during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s, as he became the third player since 1990 to be dismissed twice at No. 3 after facing five or fewer balls in a Test match.

The Australian all-rounder endured a tough outing in the high-pressure match, facing just five deliveries across both innings and getting out cheaply on both occasions. His name now joins an unwanted list that includes Pakistan’s Babar Azam, England’s Ollie Pope, and Bangladesh’s Mominul Haque — all of whom suffered similar quick dismissals at No. 3 in Test cricket.

Fewest balls faced at No. 3 in a Test (since 1990):

• Ollie Pope (England) – 3 balls vs India, Ranchi, 2024
• Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 4 balls vs West Indies, Barbados, 2017
• Cameron Green (Australia) – 5 balls vs South Africa, Lord’s, 2025
• Mominul Haque (Bangladesh) – 5 balls vs West Indies, Antigua, 2018

Australia, meanwhile, recovered from a dramatic collapse on the second day to close their second innings at 144/8, leading by 218 runs. After slumping to 73/7, a crucial 61-run partnership between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc helped them regain control.

Carey top-scored with a valuable 43 off 50 balls, while Starc remained unbeaten on 16 at stumps. South African pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets each, with Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder taking one apiece.

Despite Green’s brief stay, Australia remain well-placed to push for victory in the WTC final.