Cameron Green bowling return signals Webster's Test spot in danger

Just how many overs Green will bowl for WA in the Sheffield Shield match starting on Tuesday was unclear, with coach Adam Voges unwilling to divulge the plan hatched along with Cricket Australia.

But it could be up to 20, using a slightly altered technique to avoid any repeat injuries and ensure he’s able to bowl for Australia against England in the first Test starting November 21.

Green’s capacity to bowl could determine where he bats for Australia, and the returning Marnus Labuschagne could assume the No.3 slot held by Green in the past four Tests.

Voges said Green would bat at No.4 for WA against Labuschagne’s Queensland side, and while his bowling load would be managed, he said there was no obvious reason to hold him back ahead of the Ashes opener.

“He’s trained strongly for the last few weeks. He probably could have bowled last game if we really needed or wanted him to, and he’s certainly going to play as an all-rounder for this game,” he said.

“He’ll bat at No 4 again for us and he’s got some overs to bowl, so (we’re) looking forward to seeing that.

“We’ve got some guidelines from Cricket Australia on (how many overs). Do I want to tell that to the world publicly? Probably not. But we’ll see how that plays out. I’ve got no doubt from what I’ve seen at training over the last few weeks that won’t be an issue.”

Green hasn’t bowled in a match for six weeks, having reported minor side soreness after rolling his arm over for four overs against NSW on October 5.

His last bowling stint before that was in an ODI series in England in September last year.

But Voges said he had full confidence that Green could play as an all-rounder.

“We saw it very briefly with the four overs he bowled and took a wicket (against New South Wales), so from that point of view, he’s ready to go,” he said.

“It’d be great to get the overs out in the middle, win a competitive game, and that’s the opportunity over this week. But I’m certainly hoping we’re talking about his batting as much as his bowling this week.”

Webster, who has played the past seven Tests for Australia batting at No.6, was out for just 13 in Hobart on Monday in the final Shield match before the Ashes squad assembles.

But he also removed Test teammate Travis Head among his six overs.

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