Green's Heartbreaking Near-Miss at WACA
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green experienced both triumph and frustration at the WACA Ground, crafting an impressive 94 runs before falling agonisingly short of his first century of the season. The crucial innings came during Western Australia's Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland, serving as Green's final competitive hit-out before the highly anticipated Ashes series.
Dramatic Dismissal Ends Promising Innings
The 25-year-old's composed knock came to a heartbreaking end shortly after lunch on the third day, when he was trapped LBW by Queensland's Test contender Michael Neser. The dismissal came from a perfectly executed inswinger that beat Green's defence, leaving him just six runs shy of what would have been a significant milestone ahead of the international summer.
Resuming his innings on 49 not out, Green began the day in commanding fashion, immediately bringing up his half-century from the first delivery. He elegantly drove leg-spinner Mitch Swepson through the covers to the boundary, signalling his intent from the outset.
Partnership and Declaration Strategy
Green's innings formed the backbone of a 105-run seventh-wicket partnership with teammate Aaron Hardie, who remained unbeaten on 55. The productive stand helped Western Australia recover before the team opted for a strategic declaration, finishing their first innings 68 runs behind Queensland's total.
The match did feature one moment of misjudgment when Green's call for a second run resulted in nightwatchman Corey Rocchiccioli being run out for just one. Despite this setback, Green maintained his composure to build a substantial innings that mixed patience with powerful stroke play.
His innings progression showed two distinct phases: an aggressive start that included five fours and a six in his first 50 runs, followed by a more measured approach when resuming on the third day. The acceleration returned later in his knock when he took 10 runs from a single Gurinder Sandhu over, highlighted by a textbook off-drive that raced to the boundary.
Return to Form and Bowling Fitness
This performance represents a significant return to form for Green, who had managed only 43 runs across his first three Shield innings this season. He showed promising signs with a fluent 41 in the fourth innings against South Australia earlier this month, building confidence ahead of this more substantial contribution.
Equally encouraging for Australian selectors was Green's successful return to bowling on day one of the match. He sent down eight overs in a brutal first spell that included the wicket of Queensland opener Angus Lovell, demonstrating his all-round readiness for the Ashes campaign.
While the missing century will undoubtedly disappoint Green, the quality of his 94-run innings and his effective bowling spell provide compelling evidence that he's hitting form at the perfect time. Australian cricket fans will hope this performance signals the beginning of a productive summer for the talented all-rounder as England's visit looms large on the horizon.
