Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne has left the door open for an overseas signing to strengthen his team ahead of the T20 Blast, as the club prepares to defend their title. With Cameron Green departing after the upcoming four-day match against Northamptonshire to join Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship clash with South Africa, Gloucestershire could have a vacancy alongside four-day skipper Cameron Bancroft.
Alleyne admits the possibility of recruiting an international player remains on the table, although nothing is confirmed. “I couldn’t commit to it at the moment,” he said. “We would have loved to get Beau Webster back but the funds weren’t available.” Webster, the Tasmanian all-rounder who was pivotal in last year’s title-winning campaign, has signed a three-month deal with Warwickshire for the start of the summer. Like Green, Webster is also part of Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship and upcoming West Indies tour.
“I am hopeful that we will be able to get some support for the group at some point during the 14 games,” Alleyne added.
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Alleyne also praised Green’s professionalism and attitude during his tenure with Gloucestershire. “He’s a great lad and has been very humble about his achievements,” Alleyne said. “Although he may not have scored as many runs as he wanted so far, he has shown tremendous application and work ethic. He has demonstrated that reaching the top requires focus and determination, and he has been a positive influence on the whole squad.”
With two games remaining, Alleyne hopes Green can finish strong to help clinch the title again. Furthermore, Alleyne believes the experience of playing alongside a Test cricketer of Green’s calibre will inspire and elevate his players. “Playing Test cricket for Australia comes with high expectations, and I am confident our players have learned from him what it takes to succeed at that level,” he said.
Green himself has expressed interest in returning to play more Championship cricket, and Alleyne is eager to see him back in Bristol in the future. “Imagine a fully fit, bowling all-rounder version of Cameron Green — that would be an incredible asset for any team, including ours,” Alleyne said. However, with Australia’s busy schedule ahead, securing Green’s availability may prove challenging.