Cameron Green turns out to be gold on Ashes' first day

On a day of momentous premieres, it was fitting that Cameron Green's first test wicket sparked arguably the greatest joy among Australia's XI's.

Green, who struggled for 44 wicketless overs throughout the 2020-21 Australian series against India, removed a well-adjusted ollie pope for 35 at the post-lunch session on Wednesday. This was followed by euphoric scenes in the Gabba, where Mitchell Starc was the first of many enthusiastic teammates to jump straight at the young man.

Alex Carey's cap presentation and the catch of firing Dawid Malan sparked similar reactions, as did Starc's stunning series opening scalp and various highlights from Pat Cummins' record-breaking start as captain.

But it was Green's breakthrough in knowing how much he struggled over the last year while struggling with anticipation of becoming Australia's next great all-rounder that sparked unfiltered joy.

Green, 22 years old and compared to Andrew Flintoff long before he donned the baggy green, has been falsely compared to superstar Ben Stokes throughout the Ashes series.

However, it goes without saying that the Western Australian's performance with the ball this summer will have a profound impact on both teams. Green is the breaker that holds the key to ensuring that Cummins, Starc, and Josh Hazlewood secure as much as possible in a grueling schedule of five tests in six weeks.

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If the right gunner and Nathan Lyon are able to keep order and ease the load, it will ensure that the front lines are as fresh as possible.

Green was relatively harmless against India, but Cummins hinted on test night that he would play a bigger role in that series. "Last year was really tough (for him) because he was so fresh from a stress breakdown," said Cummins.

"Even though he had no restrictions, we didn't want to throw him in the ground. "This season he was able to bowl a little more in (Sheffield Shield) games and had a longer lead. “He looks quick. He's tall - I don't like facing him, he's a handful - so I think we'll see a few more overs of him this summer. "