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With the international summer of cricket in Australia fast approaching, a big question on the mind of the selectors will be who is going to step up and fill the number six spot in the Test match batting line-up.
Along with Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke and Steve Smith, there is a need for someone to cement their place in the final middle order batting spot.
Since the retirements of Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting, the selectors have tried numerous combinations in a bid to find the solution.
This article will look at some of the possible candidates for this spot, if they are able to start the Sheffield shield season strongly.
Usman Khawaja
The man with plenty of talent, Usman Khawaja is one of the obvious options for the selectors come the first Test. Ever since he first came on to the scene, most of the talk with this has been about potential, but he has somewhat wasted the chances he has been given so far.
Phil Hughes
Ultimately in the same boat as Khawaja, Hughes has enormous potential as an international cricketer. However, consistency at Test level is the major sticking point when it comes to his career so far. A strong tour of India and good Shield form could have this guy in the line-up come the first Test.
Alex Doolan
Yet to be given a shot at international level, many believe that Tasmanian batsman Alex Doolan has what it takes to make it at the highest level. It seems as if a standout Sheffield shield season is what this bloke needs to be taken seriously as a prospect.
Cameron White
Once touted as Shane Warne’s replacement, White has had a tough time stamping his authority at international level. If the selectors are after experience, then this man could well be in the frame for a surprising Test recall. With two strong showings so far in the Ryobi Cup, White looks as if he is in good form for the upcoming summer.
Nic Maddinson
A young batsman who has spent time in the Australia A set up, Maddinson is a great future prospect for Australian cricket. With a strong Shield career so far, he could be a strong chance to be included in the Ashes squad.
George Bailey
Although he has not played a Test match, the Australian Twenty20 captain George Bailey has a wealth of experience at Shield level.
Plying his trade on a commonly friendly deck down at Hobart, Bailey has shown that he has that grit and determination that would be beneficial at the highest level. A few good scores on the Indian tour could have the bloke right in contention.
Callum Ferguson
Packed with talent and potential, South Australian batsman Callum Ferguson could be a chance after being called into the Australian one-day squad due to Michael Clarke’s withdrawal.
Like a lot of domestic cricketers in Australia, Ferguson simply needs to make as many runs as possible whenever he gets the chance.
Joe Burns
Talented Queensland batsman Joe Burns is another young prospect that the Australian selectors are waiting desperately to start knocking on their door for selection.
Like Ferguson, Burns needs to come out and simply make runs consistently at Shield level to be taken seriously by selectors.
Rob Quiney
Given his chance at number three in the Test team early last summer against the South Africans, Quiney struggled to make his mark.
Obviously in the minds of the selectors, Quiney has started well with a couple of strong knocks in the Ryobi Cup.
Michael Klinger
One of the most hard done by batsmen in the country, Klinger has proven time and time again that he has what it takes to be successful in all forms of the game.
A consistent performer for the Redbacks and in County cricket in England, Klinger may not have a long time left to get his chance at international level.
With all of these options in mind, it will be interesting for all Aussie cricket fans to see who is selected in the first Test at the Gabba.
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