Green backed to be ‘long-term No.3’ as new Aussie era begins in Caribbean — First Test LIVE

Cameron Green is the “long-term option” to bat at number three for Australia, Pat Cummins said, after the captain named his team for the opening Test against the West Indies in Barbados.

Green scored only four runs and faced just five balls in the World Test Championship final defeat against South Africa this month after being elevated to come in at the fall of the first wicket.

But Cummins told reporters in Barbados that Green would retain his place in the batting order, with Josh Inglis at number four while Steve Smith recovers from a finger injury.

“We always like to not have too many moving parts,” Cummins said. “We see (Green at three) as a long-term option. He’s hitting the ball really well.

“He had a Test match where it didn’t go to plan. The message is not to look into that too much.

“We’re really happy with where his game is placed and I dare say he’ll get a decent run at number three.”

The recalled 19-year-old Sam Konstas will open alongside Usman Khawaja, after it was previously announced that Marnus Labuschagne had been dropped.

“Sammy is obviously an opener and the available spot for Josh this week is at number four,” added Cummins.