Cameron Green used his final Sheffield Shield hit-out before the Ashes to prove he is ready for England, although whether he bats at No 3 for Australia or plays as an all-rounder remains unresolved a week out from the first Test against England.
The 26-year-old showed he has overcome the side strain suffered last month by bowling eight overs in the second innings at the Waca Ground, on top of another eight in Queensland’s first innings of 390.
He may have been wicketless on Thursday, but Green’s bowling load passed the threshold set by chief selector George Bailey of “15 to 20” overs when announcing the squad last week, clearing the path for Green’s selection as Australia’s all-rounder for the showdown at Optus Stadium against England beginning on 21 November.
The towering right-hander also reminded selectors he remains an option at No 3 – where he batted earlier this year for the national team – with an accomplished 94 off 172 deliveries against a strong Queensland attack that meant he spent almost the entire day on the field.
He was finally dismissed lbw to Michael Neser. Western Australian captain Sam Whiteman immediately called the home side’s first innings to a close at 7-322, giving up a 68-run lead but chasing an outright result with still a day and a half to play.
Green was first-change bowler, staring down Marnus Labuschagne as well as in-form Matt Renshaw in his initial spell, before finishing with 0-17 from his eight overs.
In Queensland’s second innings, Renshaw reminded the Australian selectors of his quality despite being troubled by a knee complaint. He was finally dismissed on Thursday following a mistimed pull to square leg for 51, adding to his century in the first innings.
The final session delivered a Western Australia fightback led by Corey Rocchiccioli. The off-spinner took four wickets to peg Queensland back, who finished at 8-187 and a lead of 255 with a day to play.
Friday provides the final chance to impress selectors before the Australian XI is named for next week’s first Ashes Test.
After Josh Hazlewood reported hamstring tightness on Wednesday, there will be a temptation to deploy both Green and Beau Webster, who has done little wrong in the all-rounder role since debuting at the start of the year, to cover for possible bowler injury.
That would leave specialists opener Jake Weatherald in competition with Labuschagne at the top of the order.
Despite the dilemmas ahead, Thursday will have been a relief for Bailey given the previous day’s drama. In addition to Hazlewood’s hamstring scare, backup quick Sean Abbott picked up a “moderate grade” hamstring strain and will miss the first Test.
Injury fears also marred England’s intra-squad match on Thursday, after Mark Wood was sent for precautionary scans after reporting hamstring stiffness.
Ben Stokes took six wickets against the England’s second-string Lions side at Lilac Hill. Fast bowler Brydon Carse missed the day’s play due to illness.
