Green takes early wicket on bowling return as Webster presses Ashes case with five-wicket haul

Tasmania’s Jake Weatherald, who was 25 not out in his side’s second innings shortly after tea on Tuesday, remains the frontrunner to partner Usman Khawaja at the top of Australia’s order.

At the SCG, Victoria rammed home their advantage against a star-studded NSW side thanks to an economical opening spell from Scott Boland, who removed Sam Konstas for 12 off 59 balls.

Konstas’ lean run continued as he was bowled by a trademark Boland seamer that nipped back off the seam and sneaked between his bat and pad.

The Blues’ top order faltered, with injury substitute Ryan Hicks (16), Kurtis Patterson (7), Oliver Davies (10), Josh Philippe (7) and Jack Edwards (6) all failing to provide meaningful support for Smith, who reached his half-century from 75 balls.

Smith punished anything full and cracked 10 boundaries in his unbeaten 54 when the teams went to tea with NSW precariously placed at 6-113 after Victoria were bowled out for 382.

Boland returned figures of 1-22 from 11 overs, while Todd Murphy took 2-17 from eight.