Who will fill Australia's No.6 role in the Ashes?

I really liked seeing details of how Maxwell has used these last couple of months to just be working incredibly hard on his game, both batting and bowling. He really seems to have been taking it incredibly seriously, knows he's got the opportunity to stake his claim for a long term test berth and it's all up to him to take it. If it doesn't take it now, it may be a long time before he gets another chance, if at all. One of the struggles with being a regular fixture in the ODI and T20 sides is regularly missing lots of first class cricket. (For instance, players in the ODI and T20 squads travelling to India after the Bangladesh test series likely won't get any Shield cricket in before the first Ashes test!)

Agree about Mitch Marsh, he's still pretty young, the idea of saying he's a "never to be selected again" player is a bit of a strange statement. He's certainly got every chance to keep improving his game to the point of earning selection. Hopefully if he's selected again it is because he's earned it by seriously working on his game and improving. Not just because the selectors are suffering from a Marsh deficiency (or a Mitch deficiency!) I really thought Lehmann had a real chance of coming into the side when there was that big clear-out last year. But he completely failed in the Shield round before that test when all eyes were on the potentials, and then had a bit of a run of bad matches after that, (when there was still significant opportunity as Maddinson struggled in the tests). It will be interesting to see how him, and a number of these other young batsmen go this year. Maxwell first in line, Cartwright second certainly seems to be the order of the day. Maxwell is a really interesting one though. If he can cement his place as a batsman and also work on his bowling to the point of giving Steve Smith confidence to bowl him regularly, what that does, I believe, is really put pressure on Nathan Lyon. Firstly, if they go into tests in real fast bowling places they might be more likely to consider picking four pace bowlers with Maxwell as the spinner, and secondly, the fact they are both off-spinners makes it more likely that the selectors might prefer the main spinner to be a left-armer or leggie, if Maxwell became a fixture who bowled regularly. Lot's of if's in that though!

I'll go Cartwright, looking ahead to the Ashes.

Give Maxwell a chance at 6, mainly as a batsman who could become another spin option in certain conditions. He made a century in tough conditions in India, so the potential & ability is there. He is the incumbent & should be given a fair run to prove himself at test level. If he doesn't, then players like Cartwright, Patterson, Jake Lehmann, Head would come into consideration.

I think it will be Maxwell. He did well in India and if he does well in Bangladesh, he should get a fair run in the team. No point in chopping and changing people.

The fact that Maxwell is never given an extended run frustrates me. He makes a hundred and is still questioned; he is undoubtedly the most talented of those in question, and deserves a proper chance to prove this.

So XI is fairly sorted, no6 is the only contentious position? With the top 5 that David mentioned, Matt Wade remaining keeper as his 'chirp' gets him in the team, and a bowling attack of Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins (finally on aussie shores) and Lyon. battle for 6 between Maxwell, Cartwright, Head & Turner I reckon. Pattinson & Bird in the wings

Maxwell can very well be the Australian answer for Moeen Ali. He is a perfect number 6. One batsman who can score quick is always helps. Especially at number 6. And his bowling should be used much more frequently. He does not have variations but can be fairly accurate. And spinners who are accurate do well these days even if they lack variation.

Maxwell will get first crack i reckon. Watch out for Lehmann i think he is a real chance to get into the Australian team.

Agree 100% on Maxwell, of all the contenders I think he is by far the most talented. I only wish he was given the confidence and backing that certain other players have had, because he could be an absolutely devastating no. 6 if given a long run and proper support from the coach and captain. Instead, they prefer to hang him out to dry in the media, refuse to bowl him, and constantly hold the selection axe over his head. I think Finch would do a decent job, he's been a consistent performer in first class cricket over the last couple of seasons now that his teams have figured out that he's not an opener. However, I'd prefer to give younger guys like Cartwright, Patterson, Lehmann, Turner, Head etc. a shot if Maxi can't nail it down.

Maxwell has always reminded me of Roy Symonds. Can offer you something with bat or ball or in the field every game, is a match winner and has taken time to make any impact in tests. He just needs a run and confidence. The treatment of him and Khawaja must be very demoralising to them. Cartwright, Head and Finch as other contenders. People may question the Finch idea but he's had a very good few years in first class cricket here and in the county cricket

With that being said, Maxwell is the incumbent and with a 100 in India, should at least start the series. If he falters in the first few tests, then look elsewhere.

Travis Head for me. Has looked solid in the ODI cricket he's played and delivered in the Shield last season with over 600 runs at an average of 43.

All those names. Maxwell, Cartwright (or Costanza), Head, Turner and Patterson. Who fronts up in the first 3 Shield games? And Maxie could lock it up in Bangers.

There is an all rounder by the name of Jack Wildermuth. He is seriously talented. I don't think we will see him in the ashes or any time soon but he will certainly play for Australia at some stage. For the first test though it has to be Maxwell vs Cartwright.

We haven't seen the last of Mitch Marsh. He's been variously touted as a batsman who can bowl, a genuine allrounder, a bowling allrounder, and a bowler, so I expect the selectors will reinvent him as an opening batsman or a wicketkeeper soon enough. But back to the question, I think it's a pretty even bet between Maxwell and Cartwright. Cartwright has been stunning in Shield cricket and is deservedly the next batsman in line wherever a spot comes up (except opening of course). Maxwell, I think, will need runs in Bangladesh, as the selectors always seem quite keen to be rid of him. Beyond those two, Kurtis Patterson has been consistent without quite dominating, but I think he has an excellent technique and temperament and will be a good Test player. I'm starting to warm to Travis Head, seems like a sensible batsman with the ability to explode, and is highly versatile. The selectors certainly rate him so he'll get his opportunity at some point. There's Jake Lehmann, too, who has a curious knack for fourth-innings heroics. Definitely one who will look to state his case in the early Shield rounds.

Just for once David, I think you've got it right. Maxwell should be given every chance to cement the position and should play both Tests, but..... he and other hopefuls should play as many 4 day first class games back in Australia to truly ensure our best player gets the nod for the First Test. Assuming he does well and Maxwell does not, I'd have Travis Head at 6. A player who can bat anywhere in the order and his spinners would be useful if a pitch shows signs of wear. I completely agree the selectors love affair with an all-rounder at 6 should cease, unless someone appears who is good enough to take on this role at Test level. We don't pick batsmen or bowlers who aren't Test quality, so why do we want an all-rounder who is an average Shield player at best?

Maxwell will almost certainly get first look at number 6, and rightly so I'd have thought. A bit will also depend on Bangladesh and the first three Shield rounds; Cartwright second in line though no doubt.

Aaron finch has averaged over 50 3 years in a row.