Cameron Green stuns cricket world in epic response to $3 million saga

Cameron Green has responded to his critics in emphatic fashion after a stunning performance in the Indian Premier League that goes some way to justify his record price tag. The all-rounder joined the IPL as the most expensive Aussie cricket player in the history of the competition, with the Mumbai Indians snapping him up at auction for an eye-watering $3.15 million.

Green came under fire from critics after making just four runs on debut for the Indians, but the 23-year-old was the star of the show in his side's 14-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Promoted to number three in the batting order for Mumbai, Green steered the team to 5-192-5 after a blistering 64 not out (off 44 balls).

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The towering all-rounder stood out with key partnerships including a stand of 56 off 28 balls with Tilak Varma, who hit a 17-ball 37. Green struck three successive boundaries to reach his maiden IPL fifty and followed it up with a six, combining with compatriot Tim David to take the total past 190.

Green also chimed in with the ball, grabbing the wicket of Aiden Markram for 22 to finish with the economical figures of 1-29 off his four overs. However, it was the West Australian star's dazzling innings with the bat that lit up social media as fans celebrated his breakout game in the IPL.

Cameron Green revels in starring role for Mumbai

The 23-year-old West Australian, who won a clutch of post-match awards, said: "The first couple of games were a learning curve for me and the team but we've now won three in a row." Green also shone while bowling at the death for Mumbai, conceding just four runs in the penultimate over to put his side in pole position for the win.

"It is a work in progress but you get better the more you get exposed to it," Green said about the experience of bowling at the death.

The Aussie young gun's innings with the bat began slowly as he assessed the pace and bounce of the pitch, before accelerating his side's rate of scoring. Green had solid support from Ishan Kishan (38) and Tilak Varma (37). In a late cameo, David made 16 off 11 balls before being run out of the last delivery.

South African's left-arm quick Marco Jansen took two wickets but missed a face off with his twin brother Duan Jansen, who made his IPL debut for Hyderabad in the previous match but did not make the XI for this game.

In Hyderabad's chase, Arjun started with the new ball for Mumbai to bowl two economical overs in his second IPL outing after his debut on Sunday. But it was Jason Behrendorff's left-arm pace that got two key wickets including Hyderabad's England import and previous-match centurion Harry Brook for nine. Wickets kept tumbling and Green worked with the ball as well when his pace bowling got Markram back in the pavilion for 22.

Klaasen and Agarwal attempted to raise the hopes in their stand of 55 but their departure triggered the final slide for Hyderabad. Behrendorff and impact player Riley Meredith claimed two wickets each while David took four catches.

with agencies

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