Glenn Maxwell can become Australia's long term No.6: Mike Hussey

Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has backed Glenn Maxwell to become a regular No.6 for Australia in Tests. He has tipped the aggressive batsman to make the most of the opportunity in the two-Test series against Bangladesh in the subcontinent.

Maxwell has played only 5 Tests since making his debut in 2013. But his recent heroics against India on the away tour when he scored an attacking century (104 off 106 balls) in Ranchi Test has made him a certain starter for the first Test against Bangladesh.

Great opportunity

“He definitely can (become Australia’s long term no.6), there’s no doubt he has the talent. He’s got a great opportunity to try and make a spot in the Test team his own,” Hussey said.

Hilton Cartwright is another all-round option for the Aussies at No.6 but given that the conditions in the subcontinent, Maxwell might get another opportunity to seal his place in the side for the Ashes. Mr Cricket believes, the all-rounder has to score mountains of runs to strengthen his case in the whites for the long term.

“It looks like he and Cartwright are fighting it out for the No.6 spot in Bangladesh. If he piles on the mountain of runs then it’s going to be pretty hard to leave him out for the Ashes,” the former No.6 spot holder opined.

Since Mike Hussey has retired in 2013, Australia haven’t found an able replacement for him. Hussey himself enjoyed a great run at No.6 where he piled on the agony of the opposition by scoring a massive amount of runs. The former cricketer also advised both Maxwell and Cartwright on what they should expect if they are to become Test regulars at No.6.

“It’s actually quite a tricky role to play because it is hard to get consistency. You have to play in a variety of different situations. Sometimes you come in and the team is in trouble and you have to resurrect the innings. Sometimes they’re about to take the second new ball, sometimes you’re trying to eke out runs with the tail, sometimes you need to score quickly,” the veteran explained.

Australia will play their first Test against Bangladesh from 27th August before which they will play a 2 day warm up match at Fatullah from August 22 to begin the tour.