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Usman Khawaja wants selectors to adopt a long-term mindset with young gun Cameron Green, saying players like him don't come along often.

Australia's selectors could ultimately reap Steve Waugh-like dividends if they invest in Cameron Green, according to the batting partner who helped bring out the best of the young gun.

Green's bowling has gone to another level this summer, with memories of a wicket-less series against India fading fast after he helped set up crushing wins for Australia in Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.

But, prior to Saturday's knock of 74 at the SCG, he was yet to log a score of substance in this Ashes series.

The allrounder changed that emphatically on day four of the fourth Ashes Test, cursing himself for missing out on a potential century but sharing a vital 179-run stand with Usman Khawaja.

Khawaja was suitably impressed, as he has been while watching Green dismantle Queensland's attack at domestic level.

"You don't get players like Cameron Green very often," Khawaja said.

"The selectors know that, and they see that you need to give this guy a bit of opportunity and time and for him to develop.

"Invest in these players at a young age - something I think we probably haven't done as well in the past, chopping and changing a lot - and you'll reap the rewards later down the track.

"You just need to invest. We saw with Steve Waugh, I think the same can be said about Cam Green.

"Cameron Green is an absolute weapon, he's a gun."

Khawaja noted he had simple advice for the West Australian, having seen what he was capable of while being on the wrong side of some "unbelievable innings" in the Sheffield Shield.

"He batted beautifully," he said.

"It's really hard when you're out in the middle and your brain is ticking 100 million miles an hour. I've been there.

"I was just talking to him as much as I could, about what we're trying to do out there.

"Just trying to give him reassurance, especially at the start. You could tell he was a little bit nervous.

"I just tried to help him, guide him through his innings. Then once he got to about 30, he kind of just took it over himself."