Sheffield Shield: Cam Green takes screamer in the gully upon Western Australia return

All-rounder Cam Green has shown no ill effects from his side soreness upon return for Western Australia, taking a spectacular catch in the gully.

Green is playing his first match since being ruled out of Australia’s successful three-game ODI series with India ahead of the Ashes.

And while the biggest question mark surrounds the hulking 26-year-old’s ability to bowl, his fielding is still unquestionably some of the best in the country.

With WA well on top halfway through the first day of their shield clash with South Australia, the home side looked to break through the tail quickly.

However, Ben Manenti has a history of wagging against WA and had made it to 12 comfortable.

Perhaps too comfortable as Matt Kelly dangled a carrot well wide of off-stump.

The South Australian’s drive sliced off the face of the bat and flew towards Green in the all-important gully region.

Moving to his right, Green made the catch look easy, wrapping his two large hands around the ball and cradling it as he landed.

It is the second time in as many shield appearances the West Aussie has claimed a brilliant catch in gully.

The West Aussie is figuring to be a key piece of Australia’s Ashes puzzle with his ability to ball set to shape the home side’s batting order.

Green has bowled only four overs competitively since returning from his spinal fusion surgery last year.

But with Australian skipper Pat Cummins already ruled out of the first Test against England in Perth, having a fifth bowling option will be vital.

Green played as a specialist batter for the World Test Championship Final and then in a tour of the West Indies, batting at No.3.

He was Australia’s leading run scorer for the series, but with Marnus Labuschagne all but certain to return to the line-up after a sensational start to the domestic summer and Steve Smith a lock at four, Green’s only real opening is the all-rounder slot at six.

And he could be in a shootout with Tasmania’s Beau Webster to prove who is fittest to bowl and bat in that position come November 21.

Webster was also among the highlights on the opening day of the shield’s third round, grabbing a wicket in his first game back from a minor ankle injury.