Aussie cult hero removes ex-Test opener in statement, bolter cops horror blow — Shield Wrap

A Beau Webster wicket in Melbourne as fellow all-rounder Cameron Green’s bowling was kept on ice opened the final round of Sheffield Shield before an Ashes squad announcement as rain left hopeful batters waiting a full day to stake their claims.

A day after Australian coach Andrew McDonald said no decision had been made on Usman Khawaja’s opening partner for the first Ashes Test, hopefuls including Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas had their feet up with day one washed out in Brisbane.

Then late on the opening day of Tasmania’s clash with Victoria in Melbourne, Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a third ball duck in a blow to his chances.

Watch The Ashes 2025/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1 >

Former Test opener Marcus Harris, who has failed down the pecking order, was the man Webster dismissed in his first Shield outing since hurting his ankle in a positive sign a month out from the opening clash with England.

Webster’s return to action was delayed by caution from Cricket Australia, a slower return made more necessary after Green’s bowling output was hindered by a side issue which kept him out of the ODI side against India.

Green’s agility wasn’t impacted however, taking a spectacular catch in the gully to dismiss Ben Manenti, but he isn’t expected to bowl in the Shield game, as part of a plan to have him ready to deliver against England.

He and Webster are incumbent members of the Test team, but whether both play in Perth could yet be determined by a decision on where Marnus Labuschagne bats in the order.

Play was called off mid-afternoon at the Gabba without captains even tossing the coin to see who would bat first, leaving Labuschagne forced to cool his hot heels in Brisbane having made four hundreds in five innings to all but lock in his return to the national team.

In sunny Melbourne, Webster removed Harris for just 11 as veteran Victorian batter, Peter Handscomb, continued his rich vein of early season domestic form, making 48 having also racked up a Shield hundred, and an 83, in the opening two games, as his team was dismissed for 256 against Tasmania, who were 1-4 at stumps.

It’s the sort of return Nathan McSweeney, who played the opening two Tests of last summer against India, could only hope for after failing to make his first half-century of the season in the clash with Western Australia in Perth.

McSweeney only made 13 as early wickets tumbled at the WACA, and his highest score of 41 in five innings so far this Shield season, with two scores in single figures, wouldn’t leave selectors inclined to turn his way against England.

Only teammate Jake Lehmann, who is on his own batting hot streak, defied the WA bowlers falling just short of second century of the season, out for 96 as his team was dismissed for 215.

Click here to read article