Allrounder Cameron Green set to again prioritise Sheffield Shield ahead of blockbuster Ashes<\/p>\n
Cameron Green says he was delighted to get through the recent Frank Worrell Trophy “unscathed” and confirmed he’ll use the Sheffield Shield to prepare for this summer’s Ashes series.<\/p>\n
Green was installed as Australia’s No.3 batter in the World Test Championship final in June, which also marked Green’s first Test in 15 months following back surgery late last year.<\/p>\n
He retained the role for the three Tests in the West Indies that followed, finishing with scores of 52, 46 and 42 on pitches that heavily favoured the bowling team.<\/p>\n
He was one of only four batters to finish the series with an average above 30, along with Steve Smith, Travis Head and Alex Carey.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think we’ll be playing on many wickets quite like that (this summer), so I don’t think there’s too many takeaways,” Green told reporters on Thursday.<\/p>\n
“It was such a tough wicket, especially for the batters, to try and get out of the series unscathed was a good effort.”<\/p>\n
While Green said he was “proud to do a role” at first drop, he was reluctant to say he sees himself there for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.<\/p>\n
The star allrounder has been playing all formats for Australia since his successful rehabilitation from surgery, which Green described as a “long six months off”. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
But that thinking may shift as the Ashes opener nears with Green hinting at a solid stint for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield in the lead-up.<\/p>\n
Australia will play India in three ODIs and five T20s between October 19 and November 8, a series that will overlap with the first three rounds of the Shield.<\/p>\n
Green, however. has his sights on a block of red-ball cricket to fine tune ahead of the five Tests against England.<\/p>\n
“In the past, it’s worked really well when I’ve focused on Shield cricket,” Green said.<\/p>\n
Breakthrough Moment: Courageous Cam pushes through the pain<\/p>\n
“That potentially might be the way to go, especially with (me) working my way back to bowling, to potentially get a few more overs over a few more days.<\/p>\n
“I think that might be the way we go.”<\/p>\n
Green hasn’t bowled in a match since his return but has been sighted having a few short bowls in the nets throughout the BKT Tyres T20 and ODI series.<\/p>\n
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While his stints in Darwin and Cairns were to an empty net and generally only lasted between six and 12 balls, on Thursday in Mackay he completed a much longer session.<\/p>\n
He bowled 36 balls off his full run up under the watchful eye of bowling coach Adam Griffith and was the last Australian player to leave the training session.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Selection chair George Bailey suggested prior to the South Africa series that the Shield would be logical place to resume Green’s match bowling and the 26-year-old believes he’s on track for that timeline.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“(I’m) going really well,” Green said of his bowling.<\/p>\n
“I’m not quite certain on what match (his return to bowling) is, but I’m feeling really good and I’m in a really good spot.<\/p>\n
“It’s just really exciting. It’s been a long road back.”<\/p>\n
2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes<\/p>\n
First Test: November 21-25, Perth Stadium, 1.30pm AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n Second Test: December 4-8, The Gabba, Brisbane (D\/N), 3.30pm AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n Third Test: December 17-21: Adelaide Oval, 11am AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n Fourth Test: December 26-30: MCG, Melbourne, 10.30am AEDT<\/a><\/p>\n