Green's Batting Form a Silver Lining for Struggling Warriors
All-rounder Cameron Green has kept his Ashes preparations firmly on track, surviving a dropped catch to finish day two of the Sheffield Shield clash unbeaten on 49 at the WACA Ground on Wednesday. Despite his personal success, Western Australia faces a significant challenge, ending the day at 5-210 and still trailing Queensland's first innings total by 180 runs.
After contributing with the ball on day one, Green had a long wait in the pavilion before finally getting his chance with the bat. His innings was nearly cut short dramatically when he outside-edged a delivery from Michael Neser towards gully, but the chance was put down.
Ashes Box Seat and Flow State
With direct rival for the Test number six spot, Beau Webster, failing in both innings for Tasmania, Green's composed knock puts him in the box seat for the Ashes starting November 21. Apart from the one life, the right-hander looked in strong touch, with his signature back-foot punches through the cover region a particular highlight.
Fellow batsman Cam Bancroft, who top-scored with 76, praised Green's building form, suggesting the all-rounder was finding his "flow state" with the bat. "Cam’s obviously building for bigger things than this game, and I think he’s played really nicely so far," Bancroft said.
WA's Tough Day with the Ball and Bat
The day began with Western Australia hoping to quickly wrap up Queensland's tail, but those plans were thwarted as Lachlan Hearne (87) and Xavier Bartlett (50) guided the visitors towards a formidable total of 390 all out. The breakthrough finally came when Bartlett hit one to Green, who safely pouched the chance.
In WA's reply, openers Sam Whiteman and Bancroft navigated 20 minutes before lunch, but skipper Whiteman fell LBW to Tom Whitney for 26. Bancroft and Hilton Cartwright then added a steadying 77-run partnership before Neser struck to remove Cartwright for 37, bringing Green to the crease.
Following Bancroft's dismissal for 76 off a Mitch Swepson full toss, Green took charge, planting the leg-spinner onto the hill over deep mid-wicket. However, a running mix-up with young gun Cooper Connolly resulted in Connolly being run out for just seven, a costly error for the home side. The day ended on a further sour note with the wicket of Josh Inglis for a single-figure score.
