Queensland pacer Xavier Bartlett has downplayed his chances of a call-up to the Ashes squad but endorsed veteran teammate Michael Neser after the pair bowled well against Western Australia at the WACA on Wednesday.

With New South Wales quick Sean Abbott ruled out of the first Test against England with a hamstring injury earlier in the day, the door is open for a backup bowler in Perth.

And given Bartlett and Neser are already in WA, they could be the easy call for national selectors.

They both impressed on the second day against WA, bowling miserly spells on a wicket devoid of life as the home side slipped from 2-179 to 5-210.

Neser found seam with the new ball and Bartlett swing, with the former ending the day with figures of 1-37 and the latter 0-45.

While Bartlett ended the second day unrewarded, his efforts with the ball were no less imposing.

“It’s good to be back with the red ball,” he said.

“Had a little bit of time with the white-ball squad, which was amazing, and to get out here in the grind of Sheffield Shield cricket is something that I really look forward to.

“It’s my first game in a couple of months, I previously played that India A game, but I guess you always want to try and put your best foot forward and right now it’s going out there and doing a job for Queensland.”

Neser’s first and third spells were the best of the day, the veteran finding a way to get the odd ball to move off the straight.

Cam Bancroft looked at ease for much of his innings of 76 but was lucky to survive a few near misses on his outside edge.

“He’s an amazing bowler and an integral part of our team,” Bartlett said of Neser.

“Seeing him up and running and bowling really well is good for Queensland and obviously Australia as well.

“He’s done it before at Test level, so if he gets that opportunity, I’m sure he’ll take it with both hands.”

Bartlett’s lengths were immaculate for the most part, and his speeds were still up heading into the final hour of play.

The 26-year-old could be the key to the contest on day three, the quick lining up unbeaten all-rounder Cam Green, who is all but certain to face England at Optus Stadium next week.

“He’s so big, covers so much ground, he’s got all the shots, and he’s an amazing batter,” Bartlett said.

“If we can put the ball in the right area, hopefully he nicks one and doesn’t get too many.”