As a first option, getting forward was a non-negotiable on this pitch, given how many balls shot through at shin height.

West Indies wicketkeeper Shai Hope was given a thorough work over, unsure if his toes or teeth were in greater danger on a pitch tailor-made for Australia’s experienced and metronomic pace trio in the fourth innings of the match.

Green’s breakthrough knock of 174 not out at No.4 against New Zealand in February last year showed he had the temperament and technique to flourish as a top-order batsman.

However, it had been a lean run since then, either side of a serious back injury. As Australia’s No. 3 or No. 4, Green had followed up that big hundred with a string of modest scores: 25, 5, 4, 0, 3, 15 and 26.

Australia’s best young batting talent since Ricky Ponting, according to Greg Chappell, is too good a player to miss out again and again.

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Green is a nervous starter, always eager to get bat on and ball with a tendency to play away from his body at times.

But Green’s strength lies in playing with the full face of the bat, and it was a beautiful straight drive to bring up his seventh Test half-century that had all the hallmarks of a young Ponting.

Next ball, disaster struck, as Green chopped a Shamar Joseph delivery back onto his stumps.

Typically level-headed, Green couldn’t hide his frustration, storming off the field with words muttered under his breath.

Travis Head’s blistering cover drive off the first delivery he faced sent a sharp reminder to the West Indies that this was going to be a long afternoon. Head was unbeaten on 28 from 26 balls at the tea break.

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