'Try something a bit different' - Michael Vaughan suggests Australia open with Mitchell Marsh to counter Broad and Anderson

The mind games have already started ahead of the much-anticipated Ashes series in June later this year, as former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested the Australian team change their opening pair, given Stuart Broad and James Anderson's exploits against left-handed batters.

The Australian team has had varying degrees of success with the opening pair of David Warner and Usman Khawaja in red-ball cricket. However, Michael Vaughan feels that Australia will be better suited with Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order as Australia's first-choice openers might struggle against Stuart Broad and James Anderson. 

Vaughan reckoned that Marsh's aggressive approach at the crease might come in handy for the visitors on fast bowler-friendly wickets in England and he could also chip in with a few overs with the ball as well. The star Aussie all-rounder is currently plying his trade in the Indian Premier League, representing the Delhi Capitals. 

“I would honestly look at someone like Mitchell Marsh to open the batting because it gets him in the team. He can bowl you a few overs. He’s done all right against England. He’s a right-hander and he might go down the aggressive route. No bowler likes to go for runs. And everyone else who has been here opening the batting for Australia in the last few series has struggled, so why not try something a bit different?" Vaughan told The Age.

Why would you want to throw out two left-handers to Broad and Anderson?: Vaughan

Vaughan further emphasised his point by praising the ability of James Anderson, who is showing no signs of slowing despite his age. He recommended the Aussies analyse their top order as throwing in two left-handed openers might play it in the hands of England's veteran fast-bowling duo. 

"Anderson is bowling better than ever. It’s a pun that everyone uses, but he does seem to be getting better with age. He’s got it on a string and loves bowling to left-handers. If I was Australia, I would really, really study the top of their order. Why would you want to throw out two left-handers to Broad and Anderson?" Vaughan added.