The 26-year-old has featured at No. 3 in Australia\u2019s last four Tests, filling the role as a batter-only while recovering from back surgery. After a shaky start, he showed improvement with scores of 26, 52, 46, and 42, the latter two particularly valuable on a difficult Kingston pitch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite these contributions, Green admitted in Mackay ahead of the second ODI against South Africa that his spot at No. 3 for the Ashes opener in Perth remains uncertain, with Australia still weighing up their top-order combination.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"You never know. I think there's certainly a lot of guys that can fill that role. I'm really proud that I was able to do a role up there. But, yeah, wait and see,\" Green said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
If Green doesn\u2019t occupy No. 3 in the Ashes, Australia\u2019s top six could be reshaped. With Steven Smith and Travis Head settled at four and five, Beau Webster\u2019s No. 6 spot may come under pressure once Green resumes bowling. Usman Khawaja looks set to open, but Sam Konstas faces competition from Jake Weatherald, who chairman of selectors George Bailey confirmed is \"in the mix\".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne\u2019s form remains a key concern heading into the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Green is expected to return to bowling in the Ashes after gradually building up his loads in training since June, following back surgery. He has featured only as a batter in recent T20Is and ODIs but is likely to focus on red-ball cricket before the Ashes, with three Sheffield Shield matches for Western Australia in October set to aid his preparation. Australia\u2019s packed schedule against New Zealand and India precedes the Ashes opener on November 21.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne\u2019s form remains a key concern heading into the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I'm not quite certain on what match (I'll return to bowling), but I'm feeling really good, in a really good spot. It's exciting being back bowling at a reasonable intensity. It's been a long road back.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n