Mitch Marsh has not yet earned his position in the Australian Test team.
After 15 Tests his batting average is just 23, while his first-class average is 30.6. This isn’t good enough for a top-six batsmen.
While the Australian side may be able to deal with Marsh’s poor batting against weaker teams like New Zealand and the West Indies, the next 12 months should prove to be more difficult. With a home series against South Africa and tours to Sri Lanka and India, Australia’s batting line-up will be tested and Mitch Marsh isn’t up to the challenge.
If Marsh wants to be Australia’s Test all-rounder, he should go back to the Sheffield Shield and focus on his batting. If not, he should focus on his bowling, as he does have the potential to earn a spot in the Test side as a bowler.
Glenn Maxwell should be the number six. He has a first-class average of 42.21, while from his six matches this shield season he has scored 460 runs with a decent average of 56.
Maxwell has the potential to replicate David Warner – starting out as a short-form specialist and ending up as one of the most important players in the Test team.
At six, Maxwell’s big hitting could be extremely useful, especially as keeper Peter Nevill lacks the firepower of predecessors Brad Haddin and Adam Gilchrist.
The top six of a Test side should consist of six quality batsmen, which is why Glenn Maxwell should take Mitch Marsh’s position.
Andy Hill
Roar Pro
So do you suggest he tells the Aussie selectors that he prefers not to play ODIs and T20Is all summer so he can play a full season of Sheffield Shield? The guy is playing as much first class cricket as he can fit in and has performed well every time he has walked out for Victoria in the past two or three seasons.
danno
Guest
I agree, Maxwell would be a dynamic number 6, could take the game away from you in a session, opposition captains would be on guard as soon as he came to the crease, can't say the same about M Marsh at present although I do think he could be an excellent 7 in time. Maxwell also offers handy spin and is a great fielder.
Lancey5times
Guest
Yes and no. I don't think Marsh should have the number 6 spot but it shouldn't instantly go to Maxwell either. I don't think he has done the right things to say he is serious about being a test cricketer. I'd like to see him do what you are advising Marsh to do. Go back to the Shield and work on his batting. Not long ago Mitchell Starc (I think it was) turned down an IPL contract to focus on longer form/red ball cricket for a period with great results. I would love to see Maxwell spend 12 months playing Shield/County cricket only and batting at 4/5/6. He certainly has the talent and this would show he means business while at the same time giving further development as a batsman.