Ricky Ponting-backed bolter on Test selection radar
Australia's selectors have cast half an eye to the future with young allrounder Cameron Green already coming into Test discussions.
Green is expected to have scans this week to seek clearance on a return to bowling, after suffering back soreness earlier in the summer.
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Australia have long been in search of an allrounder since Shane Watson's last Test in 2015.
Mitch Marsh has filled the role in an on-and-off basis but appears unlikely to be used as a fifth bowler this summer at the batter-friendly MCG, as he battles to return from a broken hand.
But 20-year-old Green could be an answer in the future.
He won the plaudits this week of former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, while Justin Langer was the man to give Green his Western Australia debut.
Green has hit two centuries in this summer's Sheffield Shield, with his 394 runs coming at an average of 65.66.
He can also bowl at speed, having claimed 28 first-class wickets at 21.53.
"Cameron Green has certainly been discussed by us, but at the moment he's not bowling," Hohns said.
"He will be having a scan on his back this week to see if he can bowl again.
"I always say if they are good enough they are old enough, I don't have an issue with his age.
"It's more about whether his body can cope bowling.
"Once that happens we will be keeping a good eye on him because he is a fine up-and-coming player."
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Hohns' comments come after Ponting made the left-field call for right-armer Green to be included in Australia's Test squad to face New Zealand.
The Aussies have changed their approach this summer by picking extended squads for entire series, meaning Green could be around the group for the three Tests.
Maybe for the 2nd & 3rd test to be around the squad, but the 1st means missing Sheffield shield. He’d be better off playing in that.
I’m a huge Cameron Green fan, but remember he’s played very few FC games. Average before his last two matches was in the 20’s.— Sandy Lanceley (@sandylanceley) December 2, 2019
"Cameron Green is probably the in-form batsman in the country," Ponting told cricket.com.au.
"He's not doing much wrong, he's an exciting talent, and maybe to just include him and have him around the squad and give him a taste of what it's like might not be a bad thing.
"He's someone we've got to keep an eye on for the next couple of years and if we can fast track him ... it wouldn't be a bad thing."
