Green Delivers Timely All-Round Performance
Cameron Green has powerfully stated his case for Ashes selection, delivering an impressive all-round performance for Western Australia in their Sheffield Shield clash against Queensland at the WACA Ground in Perth. The highly-touted cricketer showcased both his batting prowess and bowling fitness just days before Australia names its team for the first Test against England.
Batting Brilliance and Bowling Milestone
The 26-year-old produced a masterful 94 runs from 172 deliveries against a formidable Queensland attack, demonstrating the technique and temperament that has marked him as one of Australia's most promising talents. His innings eventually ended with an lbw dismissal to Michael Neser, but not before he had spent nearly the entire day at the crease.
Perhaps more crucially, Green proved his recovery from a recent side strain by bowling eight overs in each innings, comfortably exceeding the 15-20 over threshold set by chief selector George Bailey. While he finished wicketless, his ability to bowl without discomfort clears a significant hurdle for his selection as Australia's premier all-rounder for the Optus Stadium showdown beginning on 21 November.
Selection Headaches and Injury Concerns
Thursday's play provided both relief and fresh dilemmas for selectors. Green's performance strengthens his claim for a spot, though questions remain about whether he will bat at number three or feature primarily as an all-rounder.
The match also saw Queensland's Matt Renshaw enhance his own credentials with a 51 in the second innings, adding to his first-innings century despite battling a knee complaint. Meanwhile, Western Australia's Corey Rocchiccioli sparked a fightback with four wickets, leaving Queensland at 8-187 with a lead of 255 heading into the final day.
Injury concerns continue to loom large over both camps. Australia's Josh Hazlewood reported hamstring tightness on Wednesday, while backup quick Sean Abbott will miss the first Test with a moderate grade hamstring strain. England faced similar worries during their intra-squad match, with Mark Wood sent for scans after reporting hamstring stiffness.
With Ben Stokes taking six wickets against England's Lions side and fast bowler Brydon Carse missing due to illness, both teams face selection puzzles ahead of the highly anticipated series opener.
