MELBOURNE:

Australia all-rounder Cameron Green expects to be free of bowling restrictions by the start of the Ashes and says he is ready for the challenge of batting high in the order if required.

Green, who underwent spinal surgery last October after his fifth stress fracture in his back, is set to resume bowling in Western Australia's Sheffield Shield opener against New South Wales at the WACA, starting on Saturday.

"It's been a long 12 months, but I'm feeling really good," Green told reporters on Friday. "The body's in a good place. It's been a really good rehab journey. I feel stronger, fitter. My action feels good.

"The first test should be no restrictions. That's kind of the whole plan of the last year - to peak for the Ashes." The first Ashes test against England starts on Novem

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