WA Teammate Backs Green and Webster for Ashes Selection
Western Australian all-rounder Aaron Hardie has publicly endorsed the prospect of both Cameron Green and Beau Webster featuring together in the Australian team for the first Ashes Test. This vote of confidence comes as Green makes a significant return to bowling duties for WA in their ongoing Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at the WACA in Perth.
Green's Successful Return to All-Round Duties
Cameron Green, who underwent major back surgery last year, has successfully returned to the bowling crease after a recent side issue forced him to withdraw from Australia's one-day series against India. In WA's clash with Queensland, Green sent down eight overs in the first innings and replicated that effort on the third day of the match, Thursday, November 13, 2025.
His comeback was not limited to bowling. Green also found impressive form with the bat, falling just short of his first century of the season. He was dismissed LBW by Michael Neser for a well-made 94 runs, anchoring the WA innings during a crucial 105-run seventh-wicket partnership with Hardie.
Hardie Confident in Dual All-Rounder Strategy
Speaking after the day's play, Aaron Hardie expressed his firm belief that the national selectors could accommodate both Green and Tasmania's Beau Webster in the same XI. "I know Beau took some wickets the other day and Greeny's making runs, so I certainly think they can both fit in," Hardie stated.
He was particularly encouraged by Green's bowling performance, noting, "Greeny's bowling nicely, he got some good ball speed yesterday. There's no reason they both can't play that third, fourth bowler role. It'd be exciting to see both of them in the team."
This season marks an important step for Green, who played the World Test Championship final and the West Indies tour earlier in the year purely as a specialist batsman at number three, scoring 188 runs across four Tests while his bowling was managed.
Thrilling Finish as WA Fights Back
The match itself took a dramatic turn late on the third day. After Green's dismissal, WA declared their first innings 68 runs behind Queensland, a bold move in their search for a first win this season.
Queensland seemed to be taking control, reaching 8-187 and building a lead of 255 runs. However, an inspired spell from off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli turned the game on its head. Rocchiccioli claimed four wickets in the space of just 10 balls before stumps, removing Jimmy Peirson (26), Michael Neser (0), the set Jack Clayton (54), and Gurinder Sandhu (0).
"It was a nice finish," Hardie remarked. "It felt like the game was getting out of our hands a bit there, but it was nice to get some wickets at the end."
Speedster Brody Couch also made vital breakthroughs, dismissing the resurgent Marnus Labuschagne for 11 and Test aspirant Matthew Renshaw for a brisk 51, following his first-innings century.
Queensland now leads by 255 runs with just two wickets in hand, setting up a fascinating final day where all three results remain possible.
