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Is Australia's Test line-up at sixes and sevens?

Roar Guru
17th October, 2016
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Is Mitch Marsh worth a gamble? (AAP Image/David Mariuz)
Roar Guru
17th October, 2016
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1083 Reads

The phrase, ‘to be at sixes and sevens’, implies that you are at a loss, or in a state of ineptitude where you cannot reliably take action. It embodies the current malaise in the Australian Test line-up.

The majority of the concern falls upon Mitch Marsh in the all-rounder’s role and Peter Nevill as wicketkeeper/batsman. Both offer some valuable traits, but are ultimately fracturing the balance in the team with their struggles.

Much of the press has fallen on Marsh, with his batting average of 24 inadequate for a number six and his bowling return of 36.33 more befitting of a part-timer. The focus, while justified, omits the interlinking relationship existing with Nevill, and the shielding the keeper could be providing to facilitate Marsh.

Key in this is the limp efforts of Nevill with the bat with his average of 20.88 with only two 50s from his 15 Tests being the lowest batting return of all Test wicketkeepers. Before entering the Test arena, Nevill’s reputation was that of a very able top six batsman and his inability to translate this into the Test arena has had a profound effect on Marsh.

If he could it would balance the team beautifully, strengthening the Aussie top six with Nevill’s solid technique and temperament as well allowing Marsh to play in a more free-spirited role at seven or eight. One only has to view Marsh’s devastating batting rampages in the shorter forms of the game to buy into the value it could give the Test line-up.

The other main worry is it seems apparent that Australia is stuck with both, due to the lack of other options.

The all-rounder’s position is a conundrum, with Marsh the stand out in Australian cricket. Names such as James Faulkner, Moises Henriques, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis are floated, but all are speculative entities.

Another option is to revert to a traditional line-up with six specialist batsmen, because no all-rounder is worthy of a spot. But Australian cricket’s obsession with needing an all-rounder to lessen the demand on bowlers’ workloads eliminates this.

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The crux of this is that persisting with Marsh is the only option, hoping his glimpses of real calibre translate into sustained performance.

The keeping position is more problematic. Nevill is an outstanding gloveman, but modern thinking puts a keeper’s batting figures in the forefront of their measures. Nevill can’t be persisted with if his batting doesn’t improve markedly.

If he is dropped, there are hardly any stand out options. Sam Whiteman is a stellar potential prospect but to pick him now would be irresponsible to his long-term future. Tim Ludeman for South Australia is a very accomplished gloveman but lacks appeal with the bat. That leaves options like Peter Handscombe or Matthew Wade – players accomplished with the blade but not so able with the gloves.

Queensland’s excellent keeper Chris Hartley, long ignored by the selectors would be a good choice in the interim until the likes of Whiteman fully mature.

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