Australian all-rounder Cameron Green faced a sharp return to on-field reality less than 24 hours after becoming the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history. Fresh off a ₹25.20 crore deal with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Green was dismissed for a silver duck in the third Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval.
Green’s highly anticipated innings lasted just two deliveries. England fast bowler Jofra Archer produced a probing spell, drawing Green into an attempted leg-side flick. The ball ballooned into the air, where Brydon Carse completed a brilliant catch at mid-wicket, sending the Australian back without scoring.
The dismissal came moments after lunch on Day 1, with Australia already under pressure. Archer had just removed Marnus Labuschagne, reducing the hosts to 94/3. Green walked in amid intense Ashes scrutiny, transitioning instantly from IPL auction headlines to Test match survival.
While the contrast was striking, it underlined a familiar cricketing truth: auctions reward potential, while Test cricket demands immediate execution. At 26, Green is still rebuilding momentum after returning from back surgery, which forced him to miss the 2025 IPL season. Facing Archer in Ashes conditions was far from an easy reintroduction.
Despite Green’s early exit, Australia found stability through Usman Khawaja, who stepped up in the absence of Steve Smith with a resilient 82. Alex Carey later contributed a composed knock to further steady the innings on a challenging day.
From KKR’s perspective, the brief setback is unlikely to alter long-term plans. The franchise’s ₹25.20 crore investment reflects confidence in Green’s all-round capabilities and future impact in the IPL. With the Ashes Test still ongoing, the narrative around Green has ample opportunity to shift once again.
