Green's All-Round Masterclass Puts Him in Ashes Frame
Cameron Green has emphatically staked his claim for a spot in Australia's Ashes squad with a commanding all-round display for Western Australia against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield. In his final outing before the Test series against England, the 26-year-old proved his fitness and form are precisely where selectors need them to be.
Batting Prowess and Bowling Fitness on Display
The towering all-rounder fell just six runs short of a century, crafting an accomplished 94 from 172 deliveries against a formidable Queensland bowling attack. His lengthy stay at the crease demonstrated the technique and temperament required for the top level. Green's innings concluded when he was dismissed lbw by Michael Neser.
Perhaps more crucially, Green demonstrated he has fully recovered from the side strain suffered last month by bowling eight overs in each innings, comfortably meeting the 15-20 over threshold set by chief selector George Bailey. Although he finished wicketless, his spell of 0-17 in the second innings, which included confronting Test teammates Marnus Labuschagne and Matt Renshaw, confirmed his readiness to bowl in the Ashes.
Selector Headaches and Injury Concerns Loom
Friday's final day of the Shield match provides the last opportunity for players to impress selectors before the Australian XI is named for the first Ashes Test at Optus Stadium beginning on 21 November. The performance comes amid growing injury concerns within the squad.
Josh Hazlewood reported hamstring tightness on Wednesday, while backup quick Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the first Test with a moderate grade hamstring strain. These developments could influence whether Australia opts to include both Green and fellow all-rounder Beau Webster to provide bowling cover.
Queensland's Matt Renshaw also reminded selectors of his quality despite a knee complaint, adding a 51 in the second innings to his first-innings century. Western Australia's fightback was led by off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli, who took four wickets to leave Queensland at 8-187 in their second innings, holding a lead of 255 runs.
England's preparations were similarly marred by fitness worries, with Mark Wood sent for scans after reporting hamstring stiffness during an intra-squad match. Ben Stokes took six wickets against England's Lions side, while fast bowler Brydon Carse missed the day's play due to illness.
