Australian star all-rounder Cameron Green has added to his credentials as a "genuine bowler" following a career-best performance according to skipper Aaron Finch.
Green was enormous for the Australians in Sunday's opening ODI against Zimbabwe, sparking a collapse which saw the visitors lost 6 for 15.
The first of those wickets fell at 5 for 185, with the tourists ultimately rolled for 200, with Green taking four of the final six wickets, while the others went to Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc.
It would see Green - who batted at eight in a team laden with all-rounders - take 5 for 33 from his 9 overs in what was his first 5-for in international cricket of any description.
Finch has spoken out about the need to be versatile as a team heading into the 2023 World Cup, which will be held in India, and told reporters after the game that Green had added plenty to his bowling credentials with the performance.
"He sticks to his plans really well," Finch told cricket.com.au after the match.
"He adapts on the run which is really important in this format of the game.
"For someone that young to have that much cricketing nous is really important and he just balances out our side so well."
Green, speaking after the game, said it was a surprise to be handed the death overs, but said he enjoyed it.
"I didn't initially get the heads up that that (closing out the innings) would be my role," Green said.
"But when Finchy (captain Aaron Finch) threw me the ball I was really excited to have a crack at that.
"I didn't really have to hit yorkers or change too much from what I do normally but it's just something I'll have to keep working on."
Green, who has recently signed for the Perth Scorchers ahead of this year's BBL campaign is likely to retain the same role during the second ODI, to be played on Wednesday in Townsville.
