Cameron Green made a notable return to bowling for Western Australia, claiming an early wicket against Queensland at the WACA Ground. Meanwhile, Beau Webster showcased his skills for Tasmania, taking five wickets and reinforcing his candidacy for the upcoming Ashes series.
On a day where Australian cricket fans also celebrated a solid performance from Steve Smith, who scored a flawless half-century for New South Wales against Victoria, Green’s return was a significant focus. The 26-year-old all-rounder had been sidelined with a minor side injury but bowled for the first time in 38 days. His last appearance on the pitch was during WA’s season opener against NSW on October 4, 2023.
Green’s return to competitive bowling began positively. After delivering two disciplined overs, he struck during his third over, capturing the outside edge of Angus Lovell’s bat with his 13th delivery. He concluded his first spell with impressive figures of 1-7 from four overs, bowling to top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne. WA wicketkeeper Josh Inglis stood well back on a lively pitch, demonstrating the conditions that presented challenges for the batsmen.
Selectors have indicated that if Green can complete between “15 to 20 overs” during the match, he is likely to secure a place in Australia’s XI for the first Ashes Test in Perth scheduled for next Friday. His performance could be pivotal for the team, adding depth to their bowling attack.
On a parallel note, Beau Webster’s performance for Tasmania on day two against South Australia further highlighted his value ahead of the Ashes. He claimed five wickets for just 50 runs from 13 overs, a performance that included the crucial wicket of Travis Head. Webster also dismissed Jake Lehmann (27), Nathan McAndrew (4), and Brendan Doggett (0), marking his fourth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
The competition for places in the Australian squad for the Ashes is heating up. Should both Green and Webster feature in the playing XI for the first Test, Australia would likely open with Labuschagne, adding an intriguing dynamic to the selection process.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the impending Ashes series, performances like those of Green and Webster will be critical in shaping the team’s composition. With both players demonstrating their capabilities, the upcoming matches promise to be exciting for fans and selectors alike.
